Suspect Used Stun Gun in Robbery Attempt NR10047ah

January 29, 2010

UPDATE:

On Jan 30, 2010, at around 7:30 p.m., the victim of the Attempted Robbery walked in to Hollywood Station.  She told the detectives that she saw the video of the crime on the news and realized that Detectives wanted to interview her.

As a result of the media coverage, the victim of this shocking crime came forward and identified herself.  The Los Angeles Police Department and especially Hollywood Area personnel are grateful to the media for their assistance in locating this victim.

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department detectives have arrested a man who used a stun gun to rob a woman of her purse on January 27, 2010, in the Hollywood area.  The woman left the scene and police are asking for the public’s help in finding the victim so they can speak with her.

The crime was captured on video.  The video observed a woman walking in the 4800 block of Melrose Avenue about 9:10 p.m. when a suspect later identified as 22-year-old David Victor Thomas, approached her from behind and shot her with a stun gun to the back of her neck.  The suspect then pulled the victim to the ground and attempted to take her purse.  A group of witnesses chased after Thomas and held him until the police arrived.

The victim left the location before the police arrived to interview her.  Detectives believe she suffered burn injuries to her neck.  The victim is described as Hispanic with long hair.  She stands between 5 feet 1 inch and 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs between 130 and 150 pounds.  She’s between 17 and 25 years of age and was last seen wearing a white zippered jacket or sweater and blue jeans.  The victim may live in the area and speak only Spanish.

Anyone with information about this attempted robbery is urged to call Hollywood Division detectives at 213-972-2945 or 213-972-2944.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers 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 LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.