MORE VICTIMS SOUGHT IN SCAM THAT TARGETED ELDERLY DRIVERS.

Byline: Susan Abram Staff Writer

BURBANK - Police on Thursday sought victims of a North Hollywood pair they say staged traffic incidents and faked injuries in local supermarket parking lots to demand money from drivers involved.

Eric Barrell, 36, and his wife, Lori Barrell, 33, of North Hollywood already have pleaded guilty to one count of theft in connection with the staged incidents. Police said they would add to the case if additional victims come forward.

``I'm very sure there are more victims,'' said Burbank police Detective Wally Schilling. ``They've been around for a long time. This is a unique case in that they would request cash or checks on the spot.''

Police said the couple was involved in at least six fake traffic incidents in the Ralphs and Pavilions parking lots at 2600 Victory Blvd. and 1110 W. Alameda Ave. last year. They targeted elderly drivers in their scams, police said.

``(Eric) Barrell followed one woman, flagged her down in his blue van and stated: 'You caused my wife to fall down,''' Schilling said, describing one victim's account. ``He showed the woman his wife's knee and requested $200. The victim gave him $60 which was all she had.''

Schilling said the two were caught when Eric Barrell pulled out his driver's license while exchanging information with a victim. The victim reported the incident to police, who traced Barrell to an old address in Glendale.

The Barrells have six children, one of whom was used in the scams, Schilling said.

``They only prey on old people,'' Schilling said, adding that they told their victims they have no medical insurance.

The couple would request anywhere from $150 to $300, limiting their offenses to petty theft, Schilling said.

The Barrells, who had no prior criminal record, are scheduled for sentencing in February, Schilling said.

Anyone with more information is asked to call Schilling at the Burbank Police Department at [phone].