Grand Theft Suspect Caught on Tape NR14478nv

Wilmington:  Los Angeles Police Department Harbor Area detectives are asking for the public’s help to identify a grand theft suspect caught on surveillance video.

On Saturday, November 29, 2014, around 12 p.m., the suspect entered a store located in the 600 block north of Wilmington Boulevard.  Video surveillance captured the suspect following the  94-year-old victim out of the store.  The video shows the victim in the store parking lot, standing by her vehicle when she is approached by the suspect on a skateboard. The suspect grabbed the victim’s purse and fled the scene.

The suspect is described as a male Hispanic, in his twenties with black hair and a moustache. He stands approximately 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs around 150-180 pounds. He was last seen on a skateboard wearing a black shirt and black camouflage shorts.  He has a possible tattoo on left forearm.

Prior to the purse snatch the suspect is seen in the store with an additional male Hispanic, in his twenties with black hair and brown eyes. He stands approximately 5 feet 7 inches and weighs around 120-140 pounds. This person does not appear to be involved in the crime however detectives are looking for him as a person of interest.

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to contact Harbor Division detectives at 310-726-7756 or 310-726-7758.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (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, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.