Robbery Suspect Hits Two Locations in San Fernando Valley NR10017rh

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect who has robbed two businesses in the Van Nuys area, at gunpoint, over a two week period.

On December 30, 2009, during the early evening hours, the suspect entered a business in the
17600 block of Vanowen Street.  Though the business was full of customers at the time, the suspect was not deterred and walked calmly to the register and quietly demanded money.  The employee opened the register and gave the suspect about $700 in cash.

The second robbery occurred on January 8, 2010, also in the early evening hours.  The suspect entered a business in the 16200 block of Victory Boulevard and approached clerks inside the businesses and demanded money from the cash registers.

The suspect is described as a male white, 5’8”- 5’10” in height, weighing 170-200 pounds.  He was last seen wearing a distinctive black and gray hooded jacket and sunglasses.

Video has been provided to investigators to assist in their investigation.  The suspect in each case is dressed in the same fashion, specifically a two-toned hooded jacket, which investigators are hoping is unique enough to help the public identify this individual.

Video of the crime and suspect was captured by surveillance cameras and is available at www.lapdtv.org.

Anyone with information about these crimes is urged to call West Valley robbery detectives at 818-374-7730.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.   Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers 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 LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.