Gas Station Robbery Caught on Camera

August 18, 2010

Update

The suspect came into Newton Station after seeing himself on the news. He gave a voluntary statement and was not arrested. It appears there may have been a prior incident between the victim and suspect. The case will be presented to the District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration.

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Newton robbery detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying a man caught on surveillance video robbing a man at a gas station.

On August 3, 2010 at 1:15 p.m., a man was pumping gas at the corner of South Broadway and Slauson Avenue. He was reaching into his car to give change to another man when a suspect ran towards him from across the street.

Detectives say the suspect was holding an object under his shirt which the victim believed to be a handgun. The victim was scared and ran away from the suspect leaving his car unattended, which allowed the suspect to search the car and take a wallet belonging to the victim. After that, the suspect began chasing the victim through the parking lot and into the busy streets, but he was able to escape without further loss or injury.

The suspect later entered a bus and left the area westbound on Slauson Avenue with the victim’s property. Detectives believe that the suspect’s actions were bizarre and he may be involved in other similar robberies.

Video surveillance at the location captured the incident. The video also shows the suspect walking into the gas station mini-mart before the robbery took place.

The suspect is described as an African American male in his early 20’s. He stands 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs around 150 pounds with short hair and a mustache. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call Newton Area Robbery Detectives Marsden or Medina at 323-846-6572. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.