Hammer Wielding Robbery Suspect Sought

Los Angeles: A suspect attempted to rob a convenience store clerk by hitting him repeatedly with a hammer, then turning the hammer on the cash register in an attempt to open it.

On Sunday, August 10, 2008, at about 11:30 p.m., the suspect entered the Arco AM/PM Mini-Mart in the 9100 block of Topanga Canyon Boulevard and initially asked the clerk for a key to the restroom. After returning the key and while paying for a purchase, the suspect abruptly pulled out a canister of pepper spray and sprayed the clerk in the eyes. After temporarily distracting the victim with the pepper spray, the suspect then retrieved a hammer he had hidden in his pants and began hitting the clerk with it.

After a brief struggle, the clerk was able to get away and the suspect jumped over the counter, threw the cash register to the ground, and began hitting it with the hammer, attempting to open the cash drawer. After successfully opening the register drawer, the suspect casually walked past the clerk and away from the location, without taking any of the cash.

The suspect is described as a male Black, 5’9”-5’10” tall, 180-200 lbs., and approximately 25 years of age. He was wearing all black clothing with a grey wool knit cap.

***Surveillance video is available through LAPD Media Relations***

Anyone with information is asked to contact Devonshire Robbery Detectives Jae Thomas or Martin Bertsch at 818-832-0609. On weekends or during off-hours, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).