Suspect Who Stole Pot of Gold in New York May Be in Los Angeles: Police

LOS ANGELES, CA — A man caught on camera suspected of stealing a pot of gold in New York City is believed to be in the Los Angeles area, police said Wednesday.

The New York Police Department released a video that showed the suspected theft in which Julio Nivelo, 53, allegedly grabbed a 5-gallon bucket of gold flakes out of the back of an armored truck in Manhattan in September.

"We have reasons to believe he is now in the Los Angeles area," NYPD Detective Martin Speechley said. He would not elaborate on the reasons other than saying the department is following on a tip.

Nivelo, who is also known as David Vargas, is described as a 5-foot, 5-inch Hispanic man with dark hair. The bucket he allegedly took off with is worth an estimated $1.6 million, police said.

In the video, a man identified as Nivelo was seen walking to the back of the truck, grabbing the bucket and walking off with it. The video shows the suspect walking past the truck then turning around to grab the unattended bucket.

Two men were seen chatting next to the truck as the suspect walked past. He is seen struggling under the weight of the bucket, which weighed 86 pounds.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Nivelo was asked to contact the NYPD at (800) 577-TIPS.

Photo courtesy of NYPD