Robbers Caught on Tape

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying two suspects whose images were caught on surveillance video committing a robbery at a local cell phone store in the Harvard Heights area of Los Angeles.

On November 5, 2009, at around 2:45 p.m., two male suspects entered the business located in the 2100 block of Washington Boulevard. Suspect #1 grabbed the store employee by the neck and pointed a gun at her. He ordered her to open the register and took the money out.

Suspect #2 ordered a customer to her knees, where she stayed. He and Suspect #1 then ordered the employee to open a display case where they took cellular phones and Bluetooth devices from. Both suspects took the employee to the back room and ordered her to open a safe, but she was unable to open it.

Before leaving the store, both suspects walked over to the surveillance equipment and attempted to destroy it by knocking it down. They were not successful however, and the crime was captured on video. Both suspects fled from the location on foot.

Neither the employee nor the customer was injured.

The first suspect is described as a male Black, about 20 years old. He is 6 feet tall and 180 pounds, wearing a dark colored hooded jacket, dark pants, and white sneakers.

The second suspect is described as a male Black, around 20 years old, wearing a black cap, a dark colored t-shirt, dark pants, and dark shoes. He is about 5 feet 6 inches tall and 160 pounds.

Anyone with information or who recognizes the suspects are urged to call LAPD’s Olympic Area Robbery Detectives at 213-382-9460. During off-hours, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247). Callers may also text “Crimes” with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web tips. When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with “LAPD.” Tipsters may remain anonymous.