Police hunting a man suspected of robbing an artist were handed a big clue when he left behind the caricature that the victim had drawn.
The suspect asked to be drawn by the victim, but once the artist had finished the picture, allegedly ran off with the artist's money bag containing around £380 ($500) in cash.
In his haste, he forgot to take the incriminating evidence with him.
Launching an appeal to identify the man, police in the town of Riverside, California, wrote on Facebook: “DO YOU RECOGNIZE THIS CARICATURE? And no, we are not kidding.”
The incident reportedly took place on December 5 at the town's Festival of Lights celebration, where the victim was drawing pictures for revellers.
“At around 11.50pm, the suspect approached the victim and asked for a portrait of himself,” Riverside Police wrote.
“The victim agreed and created the (featured) caricature of the suspect. Once the victim was finished, the suspect grabbed a money bag that belonged to the victim, which contained about $500 in cash.
“The suspect fled on foot leaving his portrait behind.”
Investigators admitted the caricature was not a wholly accurate depiction of the man, since it “of course, has exaggerated characteristics and features.”
They clarified the suspect was described as a “black male adult in his early 20’s, about 5’1” tall with an average build, black hair and moustache, and last seen wearing a blue and red jacket, white undershirt, black pants, and red hat.”
