Robbery Suspect Targeting Pedestrians in West Side of Los Angeles NR20262jl

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department detectives have recognized a pattern of robberies in the West side of Los Angeles. The same suspect has robbed or attempted to rob several men and women over the past month. Most of the men and women that have been robbed were walking or jogging alone at night during the hours of 8:00 p.m. to midnight.

The suspect has been described as a Black male in his twenties, driving a gray truck. He has been armed with a handgun during the robberies and fired gunshots in at least two of the incidents. Property taken during the robberies has mostly been limited to cell phones.

The affected neighborhoods include: Mar Vista, West Adams, Picfair Village, Westchester, Mid-Wilshire, Carthay Circle, Beverly Grove, Fairfax, Crestview, Faircrest Heights, and Palms.

Residents in the area should consider the following: · Always be alert to your surroundings and the people around you. · Try to stay in well-lit areas. · Don’t walk alone at night and always avoid areas where there are few people. · Be careful when people stop you for directions. Always reply from a distance, and never get too close to the car. · If you feel you’re being followed, walk to a well-populated area. · Don’t resist. Give up your property, don’t give up your life. · Report the crime to the police. Try to describe the attacker accurately. · Your actions can help prevent others from becoming victims.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Robbery- Homicide Division, Robbery Special Section, Detective Marsden or Detective Matsuda at 213-486-6840. During non-business hours, or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org,and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an onlinetip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.