Robber Caught on Tape, Arrested After Tip

Los Angeles: An anonymous tip led to the arrest of the man seen dragging the Ace Alarm Company’s worker by her hair in a surveillance video from April 7, 2005.
Detective Gilbert Alonso credited the public and the media in solving this case. After leads were exhausted, Detective Alonso took his case to the public. Surveillance footage was aired on April 25, 2005, showing the brazen robbery tormenting his victim by choking her and dragging her by her hair through the office.
The footage clearly showed the suspect. Within a week, detectives received an anonymous tip through the "We Tip" hotline that their suspect was Dimetrious Campbell, a 31-year-old employee of a San Fernando Valley thrift store.
Campbell had a prior criminal record and had an outstanding arrest warrant. After matching Campbell’s parole picture to the surveillance footage, detectives knew they had the right man. On May 2, 2005, detectives arrested Campbell on the warrant at his job in Panorama City. They conducted a search of his home and seized clothing matching that worn by the suspect in the surveillance footage. Campbell was later booked on a charge of Kidnap for Robbery.
"Getting the images out there for the public to see made all the difference in this case," said Detective Alonso. "We really appreciated the assistance."
The original robbery occurred on April 7, 2005, at 5:10 AM, at the Ace Alarm Company. It is located at 1914 W. 8th Street, Los Angeles. Kidnapping became part of the crime elements because the suspect forced the victim’s movement outside the business. The victim sustained a cut lip, bloody nose, and swelling to her face.