“Painter Mask” Robbery Suspects Wanted for Six Armed Robberies NR12191kr

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Robbery-Homicide Division detectives are asking for the public’s help to provide information on the identity of two suspects armed with handguns who are responsible for at least six “takeover” robberies within the City of Los Angeles and similar robberies in Gardena, Hawthorne and East Los Angeles.

On Saturday, Nov. 18, 2011 around 8:30 p.m., two armed suspects committed their first robbery at an auto parts store in the 24800 block of South Western Avenue in San Pedro.  The suspects’ method of operation is to take cash from the registers and safes, and personnel property from the store employees.  They have targeted auto parts stores and a pharmacy and usually hit the stores around closing time.

Both suspects cover their faces with painter’s masks, ski masks or bandanas and wear gloves.  They have been seen carrying a lunch bag as they enter the business.  Suspect one is a Black male who is between 6 feet and 6 feet 2 inches tall.  He weighs 170 to180 pounds, has a light mustache and is 30 to 40 years old.  Suspect two is a Black or Hispanic male who is also between 6 feet and 6 feet 2 inches tall. He has a mustache, sideburns, possible chin-strap beard, weighs 170 to180 pounds and is 25 to 30 years old.

Other locations of occurrence are as follows:
Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011    8:45 p.m.    24800 block of South Western Avenue
Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011    8:35 p.m.    300 block of West Anaheim Boulevard
Friday, Jan. 13, 2012        6:30 p.m.    11500 block of Santa Monica Boulevard
Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012   9 p.m.         7000 block of Laurel Canyon Boulevard
Friday, Feb. 17, 2012        8:50 p.m.    800 block of North Western Avenue

Anyone with information about these crimes is urged to call Robbery-Homicide Division, Robbery Special Section Detective Maria Tomes 213-486-6840 during regular business hours.  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.”