Armed Robbery Suspects Terrorize Clerk NR09366BB

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is asking for the public’s help in identifying and locating two suspects who robbed a market at gunpoint in Echo Park.

On Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at around 9:40 a.m., suspect #1 walked into a grocery store in the 3200 block of Sunset Boulevard.  He made a purchase and left the store.

A short time later, suspect #1 returned, accompanied by Suspect #2 who was carrying a duffle bag.  Suspect #1 took a handgun from his waistband and pointed it at the store clerk, ordering her to the ground.  Suspect #2 then tied the clerk up while suspect #1 emptied the cash register.  Both suspects ran from the market and there is no vehicle description.

Suspect #1 is described as a male Hispanic with a dark complexion, 16-18 years-old, 5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 6 inches tall, 120-125 pounds.  He was last seen wearing a black, long-sleeved shirt with white stripes, blue jeans with a black belt and white shoes.  He was armed with a blue steel pistol. 

Suspect #2 is described as a male Hispanic, 19-23 years-old, 5 feet 4 inches to 5 feet 6 inches tall, 175-185 pounds.  He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt with a dollar sign on the front, blue jeans, black gloves, white shoes and “aviator” style sunglasses.  He was carrying a blue duffle bag with black handles and a black nylon case with a shoulder strap.

Images of the suspects were captured by store surveillance cameras and are available at www.lapdtv.org.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call LAPD Rampart Area Robbery Detective Emily Raupp at 213-484-3629.  During off-hours, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text "Crimes" with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web tips. When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with "LAPD."  Tipsters may remain anonymous.