Robbery Suspect Caught on Tape, Assaulting Elderly Man

Los Angeles: An elderly business owner was robbed at gunpoint and assaulted by a violent robber.

On December 28, 2008, at around 8:20 a.m., at a small business located near the 7000 block of South Broadway, the elderly store owner and his caretaker were opening the front door of the business.  A robbery suspect ambushed them, armed with a handgun.  The suspect threatened to kill the victims if they did not cooperate with his demands.  The victim, still recovering from a recent stroke, was forced around the business for nearly fifteen minutes before the bandit finally left with several hundred dollars in cash.

The incident was captured on video and the robber’s face can be clearly seen.  At one point the suspect tried to conceal his face with a bandana, but surveillance cameras had already captured his appearance.  Detectives are asking for the public’s help to identify and locate this violent offender.

He is described as a male Black, 6’02” tall, with an average build, in his early twenties.

Anyone with information is asked to call Newton Area Robbery Detectives Christopher Marsden or Nelly Nava at 323-846-6572.  After hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 or by texting CRIMES (274637) and beginning the message with the letters LAPD.  Tipsters may also submit information on the LAPD website  www.lapdonline.org.  All tips are anonymous.