Suspect Arrested for Armed Robbery NR23036am

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department, Van Nuys Area detectives arrested 22-year-old Dennis Gomez, a resident of Los Angeles for armed robbery.

On February 21, 2023, at around 9:15 p.m., an armed robbery occurred at a business located in the 14900 block of Vanowen Street. The suspect, Gomez, entered the store armed with a loaded 9mm gun and demanded money from the clerk. During the robbery, Gomez discharged a round from the gun into the floor of the location. The round ricocheted and struck the store clerk, causing minor injury.

As the robbery was taking place, a Van Nuys Area patrol unit was near the location and was flagged down by a citizen who reported the robbery. Gomez exited the store and was captured by the officers in an adjacent alley after a short foot pursuit. The officers recovered the gun Gomez used during the robbery, along with multiple rounds of ammunition. Both officers suffered minor injuries during the subsequent foot pursuit and arrest, and one was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Officers received medical treatment, and both have been released.

Subsequent investigation by Van Nuys Area Detectives revealed that Gomez had committed a second armed robbery in Van Nuys Area that took place earlier in the day at around 5:00 p.m., at a business located in the 14400 block of Sherman Way. Property taken during the earlier robbery was found in Gomez’ possession when he was taken into custody.

Gomez was booked at Van Nuys Jail for 211PC-Robbery (Booking# 6556275). His bail was set for $350,000.00. The case will be presented to the District Attorney’s Office and Gomez is scheduled to be arraigned in Van Nuys Court on February 23, 2023.

Anyone with information about this incident are asked to contact Van Nuys Area Detectives at (818) 374-0040. 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 the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.