Serial Robbers Targeting Businesses in the San Pedro and Harbor City Area NR10061rh

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Harbor Area Detectives are asking for the public’s help in searching for two suspects who have committed a series of armed robberies in the San Pedro and Harbor City Area.

On January 25, 2010, at around 5:50 p.m., two suspects walked into a store in the 600 block of South Gaffey Street posing as customers.  One suspect brought a pair of sandals to the counter while the other suspect took out a handgun and pointed it at the store clerk, demanding money.  The suspects left the store with both money and shoes.  

Suspect #1 is described as a male Black, 30-50 years of age, about 5’8”- 6’0” tall, weighing about 150-180 pounds.  He was wearing a brown tan shirt and blue jeans.  

Suspect #2 is described as a female Black with braided hair, 25-40 years of age, about
5’4”-5’5”tall, weighing about 100-140 pounds.  She was wearing a blue wind breaker and blue jeans.

These same suspects are believed responsible for five additional robberies at three Harbor City Area businesses, between December 15, 2009 and January 28, 2010.  Two of the businesses were pharmacies and one was an electronics store.  

This series of robberies occurred during the morning hours.   Two of the businesses were robbed on two separate occasions.  They were located in the 24900 block of Western Avenue and the 22900 block of Western Avenue.  The other business was located in the 1600 block of West Sepulveda Boulevard.  

In all of these robberies the two suspects walked into the stores and Suspect #1 would go up to the counter and point a handgun at the store clerk and demand cash, while Suspect #2 acted as a look out.   Both suspects would then leave the location together.

During several of these crimes Suspect #1 wore a black beanie, black leather jacket and tan or gray pants.  Suspect #2 on at least one occasion wore a green jacket with a fur collar and orange lining.  They may be driving a white minivan.

Several still photographs of both suspects are available through Media Relations Section at 213-486-5910.

Anyone with information is urged to call Harbor Area Robbery Detectives Patricia Guerra at 310-726-7754.  During non-business hours, call 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may contact Crimestoppers by texting the 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.