Detectives Need the Public’s Help to Identify Robbery Suspects NR14078SF

South Los Angeles:  A video of a robbery in progress has been released by Newton Division Detectives.  Investigators are asking for the public’s help to identify and locate two dangerous suspects.

On February 4, 2014, at 8:30 p.m., two men entered a smoke shop located at 4000 S. Main Street in Los Angeles.  The first suspect was armed with a .38 caliber revolver and pointed the gun at the cashier while the second suspect grabbed the employee and forced him into the store’s restroom.  Suspect #1, pistol-whipped the cashier and threatened him until he revealed the location of the money.  At the same time, Suspect #2, zip-tied the cashier’s hands behind his back.  Suspect #1 removed cash from the business while Suspect #2 held the store employee in the restroom.  After stealing the money from the business, both suspects left the location and walked westbound on Vernon Avenue towards Main Street.

Suspect #1, seen wearing the black jacket with “Stussy 80” on the back, is described as a 25 to 30-year-old male Black with black hair and brown eyes.  He appears to stand 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs 160 to180 pounds.  Suspect #2, seen wearing the grey hooded sweatshirt, is described as a 25 to 30-year-old male Black with black hair and brown eyes.  He appears to stand 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs between 220 and 240 pounds.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call Newton Area Robbery Detective Matsuda or Detective Humpherys at (323) 846-6572.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers 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 www.lapdonline.org, and click on "Anonymous Web Tips.”