Robbery at Los Angeles Landmark Pinks Hot Dogs

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department Wilshire Area detectives are asking for the public’s help in finding a suspect who robbed Pink’s Hot Dogs early this morning.

On April 5, 2010, at around 3 a.m., Wilshire officers received a radio call to investigate a robbery in the 700 block of North La Brea Boulevard.  Two employees were closing the business and walking out the rear door when they saw a male suspect crouched behind a chair in the rear patio area.  The suspect immediately stood up from behind the chair and approached them with a silver handgun, ordered them to open the door to the business and allow him entry.  

The suspect then forced the employees to lead him to the safe.  Once at the safe, the employees told the suspect that they did not know the combination.  The suspect demanded money from the employees, and one of the employees handed the suspect a twenty dollar bill. The suspect then told the employees not to move or he would shoot them and left the business.  The employees were not able to see if the suspect left on foot or in a car.

The suspect is described as an African American, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing 170 pounds, and about 30 years-old.  He was wearing a black jacket, black jeans, and a gray ski cap with handkerchief over his face.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Wilshire Area Robbery Detectives at 213-473-0154.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 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.