Freddie Alexander Lopez, 24, of Santa Ana, California, has pleaded guilty to a federal robbery charge for a series of armed robberies and attempted robberies at three Subway restaurants and a donut shop in the Orange County area, the FBI announced. The incidents occurred over approximately six days in late January and early February.
According to court records, Lopez entered the targeted businesses late at night, typically wearing a dark hoodie and a mask. He would order an item and wait for the cashier to open the register before brandishing a weapon and demanding money. Surveillance footage and cellphone location data helped investigators link Lopez to the crimes.
Lopez's spree began on Jan. 27, 2026, when he entered a Subway in Santa Ana and, after pulling a knife on the cashier, stole $300. Three days later, on Jan. 30, he entered a Subway in Fountain Valley, threatened the cashier with a knife, and demanded money. The cashier refused and shut the register, prompting Lopez to flee. Less than 30 minutes later, Lopez robbed a Yum Yum Donuts store nearby.
On Feb. 1, Lopez targeted a third Subway restaurant in Anaheim. Surveillance footage showed him armed with what appeared to be a black pistol. When the cashier refused to provide money, Lopez jumped over the counter and attempted to take the register key. He was unsuccessful and left the restaurant.
Lopez was arrested on Feb. 6 by the Santa Ana Police Department during a traffic stop, as officers believed his vehicle was used in the robberies. During the arrest, authorities reportedly found what appeared to be the same handgun, knife, mask, and glasses used in the robberies. Investigators found a replica gun in his car that matched the one used in the Feb. 1 attempted robbery.
Following his guilty plea, Lopez is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 2 and faces a maximum of 20 years in prison.