West Valley Officers Pursue Robber

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Friday, March 3, 2000

"West Valley Officers Pursue Robber"

Reseda – On Friday, March 3, 2000 at approximately 2:30 P.M., a Robbery occurred at "Skirmish the Store" at 7361 Reseda Boulevard in the city of Reseda.

The perpetrator, Dennis Orellano 18 years of age a resident of Canoga Park, entered the store and selected items of clothing. He placed the clothing on the counter and asked to look at a paint ball gun. The store employees gave him a gun to examine. Orellano then went back to the register and pointed a .38 caliber blue steel revolver at the employees. He demanded cash, Wrestle Mania tickets and an additional three paint ball guns. The victims complied with his demands and Orellano left the store with the clothing, cash, paint ball guns and tickets. He entered his vehicle that was parked outside the store.

As Orellano drove off he was followed by two of the store employees. They had a cell phone and called the police while they drove after Orellano. Responding West Valley Patrol Units were able to find Orellano, with the assistance of a Los Angeles Police Air Support helicopter, driving on Sherman Way. The officers pursued Orellano to the 7300 block of Variel Avenue where he crashed into a parked car. Orellano jumped out of the car and ran from the officers who went in chase.

A perimeter was set up and Orellano was captured without any further incident. Witness to the robbery positively identified Orellano as the person who robbed the store.

West Valley Robbery Detectives are currently investigating this case. For further information, please contact Detective Robert Howe, 818-756-8546.

For Release 5:00 pm PST
March 3, 2000