Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca Apprehends Robbery Suspect

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Thursday, December 23, 1999
On Wednesday, December 22, 1999, at approximately 6:50 p.m., Central Traffic Division uniformed motorcycle Officer E. Rogers, 30637, 30 years of age, 6 years with the Department, responded to an armed robbery in progress radio call at the Staples Office Supply Store located at 1700 block of South Figueroa Street.

While Officer Rogers was deployed in front of the store, the suspect, who was armed with a handgun, exited the front door and crouched down. Officer Rogers ordered the suspect to drop the weapon. The suspect failed to comply and pointed his handgun at the officer. In fear for his life, Officer Rogers fired one round from a Department shotgun at the suspect. The suspect re-entered the store, then exited from the rear of the building. As responding units arrived, the suspect fled on foot then entered the westbound side of the Santa Monica (10) Freeway at the Harbor (110) Freeway. While a Department Air Unit was illuminating the suspect, Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca, along with a security aide, Sergeant Pat Maxwell, apprehended the suspect and released him to responding officers.

The handgun utilized by the suspect, then discarded during the pursuit, along with U.S. Currency taken during the robbery were recovered at the scene.

No injuries were sustained by the suspect, who was subsequently booked for robbery.

Robbery Homicide Division is conducting the investigation.

For further information contact Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.

For Release 9:50 am PST
December 23, 1999