California man admits targeting 3 Subway restaurants for robberies in less than a week, FBI says

A California man has admitted to committing a series of armed robberies at three Subway locations within a span of less than a week, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The defendant, Freddie Alexander Lopez, 24, of Santa Ana, pleaded guilty to a federal robbery charge following his confession to authorities. The sequence of incidents began on January 27, 2026, when Lopez entered a Subway restaurant in Santa Ana around 11:57 p.m. Dressed in a dark hoodie and mask, he approached the counter, ordered a bag of chips, and waited for the cashier to open the register. At that moment, he pulled out a knife and demanded money, securing $300 before fleeing the scene. Surveillance footage captured the incident, and cellphone location data corroborated Lopez’s presence at the establishment during the robbery. Three days later, on January 30, Lopez returned to another Subway in Fountain Valley. Again, he wore a mask and hoodie, this time brandishing a knife. According to witnesses, he told the cashier, “Give me all the money, or I’ll hurt you.” The cashier refused and locked the register, prompting Lopez to run away. This attempt yielded nothing, though the act was recorded by security cameras. Just under half an hour after the Fountain Valley incident, Lopez moved to a Yum Yum Donuts store located approximately five and a half miles away. The timing and proximity suggest a deliberate pattern, as investigators noted. There were no reports of injuries or arrests at this location, though Lopez was observed nearby based on surveillance. Two days after the donut shop encounter, on February 1, Lopez targeted a third Subway in Anaheim. This time, he was armed with what appeared to be a black pistol. Surveillance footage showed him confronting a female cashier, who refused to hand over the register key. In a struggle, Lopez jumped over the counter and tried to seize the key from her hands. After failing to access the register, he abandoned the attempt and left the premises. On February 6, Lopez was stopped by the Santa Ana Police Department during a traffic stop. Officers believed the vehicle matched the description of the suspect’s mode of transportation. During the search, they recovered items including a handgun, knife, mask, and glasses that were consistent with those used in the previous robberies. A replica gun was also discovered in the vehicle, which appeared to resemble the one used in the Anaheim incident. Despite being released prior to his trial, Lopez was rearrested on April 30 on the federal robbery charge. His case proceeded to trial, culminating in a guilty plea. Lopez is set to be sentenced on October 2, facing a potential maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The investigation into Lopez’s actions highlights the increasing frequency of such incidents in the region. Law enforcement officials have expressed concern over the pattern of behavior, noting the methodical nature of the attacks and the use of disguises and weapons. While no direct links to larger organized crime groups have been established, the case underscores the need for continued vigilance and enhanced security measures at retail locations.