Serial Robbery Suspect Arrested Detectives Seek Additional Victims NR25050dc

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department’s Central Division Robbery detectives announce the arrest of a serial robbery suspect targeting businesses in the Central Area. Due to the nature of the crimes, detectives are also seeking additional victims.

On January 27, 2025, a robbery occurred at a business located in the 900 block of South Santee Street. The suspect entered and pretended to be interested in purchasing merchandise. Once the 70-year-old victim walked to the rear of the store, the suspect pushed the victim into a closet and placed him a rear neck choke hold. The suspect brandished a firearm towards the victim, took money from the victim, then fled the location.

On February 20, 2025, the suspect targeted a business in the 1100 block of South Los Angeles Street. The suspect entered and pretended to be interested in purchasing merchandise. When the 72-year-old victim moved to the rear of the store, the suspect punched the victim several times. The suspect then threw the victim onto the ground, stomped on his chest, then strangled him until he lost consciousness. The suspect took the victim’s property and cash register.

On March 7, 2025, the suspect committed another robbery of a business located in the 1500 block of South Los Angeles Street. The suspect entered and tried clothing on for several minutes. Once the 49-year-old victim moved to the rear of the store, the suspect punched the victim and placed him in a rear neck chokehold. The suspect released the hold then smashed the victim’s head on a nearby table and the floor. The suspect demanded money but only was able to take the victim’s cellphone.

On March 9, 2025, the suspect committed another robbery of a business located in the 1100 block of South Los Angeles Street. The suspect entered and pretended to be interested in merchandise. At the rear of the store, the suspect placed the 51-year-old victim in a rear neck choke hold, then punched the victim in the face. The suspect picked up the cash register and threw it on the ground causing it to break. The suspect then kicked and punched the victim and placed him in another rear neck choke hold before fleeing with the victim’s property.

Detectives also became aware of three additional robbery investigations fitting the same description.

Central Area Robbery detectives arrested 20-year-old Richard Nerve McDowell III, a resident of Los Angeles, for the robberies. He is described as male Black with brown eyes. He stands six feet three inches and weighs approximately 180 pounds. He was assigned Booking No. 6983056. His bail is set at $250,000.00.

Due to the nature of these robberies, investigators believe there may be additional victims. Investigators believe that the suspect targeted elderly individuals who were working by themselves in retail establishments.

Anyone who has been a victim or has information about this investigation is urged to contact Detective Steve Garcia at 213-996-1867 or email 33140@lapd.online. 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. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P-3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.