Jewelry Store Robbery, Caught on Tape NR10583pv

Los Angeles.  LAPD detectives released video today of a Black man and Hispanic woman who robbed Diamano Fine Jewelry on December 14, 2010.  They got away with $8,000 in cash.

“This is among the best video of a robbery I’ve ever seen,” said Det. Alfredo Rasch, who is assigned to the Central Robbery Table.  “The man with the gun seems to be the brawn in the case, while the woman seems to be the brains.”  

The duo entered the small jewelry store on the 5th floor of the Mitta Building at 404 West 7th Street, around 3 PM.  The man spoke to the jewelers then pulled a gun and forced them to kneel down.  His accomplice was holding zip ties for tying hands and barked orders, but never tied the victims’ hands.  

Eventually, the jewelers gave up the cash, which the robbers placed in a bag.  They left without firing a shot or injuring anyone.

“We’ve had a number so-called ‘smash and grab’ robberies recently in the jewelry district, and we’ve made a number of arrests, but this kind of armed robbery is a different MO and the man-woman pairing is unusual,” Det. Rasch said.  “Anyone who knows these two suspects should call police immediately.  We suspect the man is probably on parole and should be easily recognized by his parole agent.”

The armed man is Black, but may be of Hispanic origin, 6-feet tall, and 35 to 40 years old.  He wears thick reading glasses.  The woman is Hispanic, about 5-feet, 5-inches tall, 150 pounds, and a similar age to her accomplice.

Robberies are down about 12 percent (over 60 fewer robberies) this year over last year in the downtown area.  Guns are used only about 2 percent of the time in major crimes committed downtown.

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Detective Lisa Schueller, Central Robbery Unit, at 213-972-1248.  Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.

Video of the crime is available for viewing at the Central Police Station.  Det. Rasch is available for interviews at 213-972-1245.