Church Robbery Caught on Camera NR16021rmh

Los Angeles: Detectives from the
Los Angeles Police Department’s Hollenbeck Division are asking for
the public’s assistance in identifying a robbery suspect.

On Tuesday January 12, 2016, at around 11 a.m., a group of
parishioners from The Church of the Assumption located in Boyle
Heights were robbed of the church’s weekly offerings.

After the weekly money count of the church’s offerings, an 80 year
old parishioner, left the church carrying a canvas bag containing
cash, coins and checks totaling around $4,100.00.

The suspect grabbed the bag and ran off. The parishioner attempted
to hold onto the bag as he was dragged on the pavement. Ultimately,
he let go of the bag and the suspect jumped into the passenger seat
of an awaiting late model, black sedan. The church parishioner was
treated for his injuries at scene by the Los Angeles Fire
Department.

The church’s video cameras captured the suspect arriving and
loitering in the church parking lot for around 45 minutes prior to
the robbery. A second suspect, who was the getaway driver, is seen
acting as a lookout from the opposite side of the parking
lot.

The first suspect is described as a male Hispanic, thin build,
wearing a black hat, dark jacket and light colored pants.

There is no available description on the second suspect.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to call Hollenbeck
Detective Dante Palacio at (323) 342-8981 or the Hollenbeck
Detective desk at (323) 342-8900. During non-business hours or on
weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7
(1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call
Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also
contact Crime Stoppers 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
www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips.”