Street Robbery of 5-Year-Old Boy, Caught on Tape

(UPDATE)

Los Angeles Police Department Newton Area detectives have arrested a man who snatched a gold chain from a 5-year-old boy.  A tipster led investigators to the arrest of 18-year-old German Palma.  He was taken into custody on January 26, 2010, at his residence in South Los Angeles.  Palma was charged with robbery and his bail was set at $50,000.

Los Angeles:  Detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect seen on video riding a bicycle by a young boy and yanking a gold chain off his neck.

On January 4, 2010, at a around 3:25 p.m., the small victim was standing on the sidewalk near a restaurant in the 5300 block of South Main Street, where he and his family had just finished eating.  

Video of the robbery shows the suspect riding a blue mountain bike by the victim and grabbing a gold chain he was wearing around his neck.  It is clear from video that the force of the suspect’s actions was violent enough to lift the victim up off the ground and drag him along the sidewalk.  The suspect then rode his bicycle away from the area with the victim’s chain.

Detectives were able to recover several video images of the suspect and the incident from nearby businesses.  Just prior to committing the robbery the suspect was captured on video buying a drink at a nearby market.

He is described as a male Hispanic, approximately 21-years of age, 5ft. 7 in. tall, 145 lbs., with black hair, and hazel eyes.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call Newton Area Robbery Detectives Chris Marsden or Guillermo Medina at 323-846-6572.  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 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.