Wheelchair Bound Man Robbed of Necklace NR09595rh

Updated on Jan. 5, 2010
On December 28, 2009, at around 2:45 p.m., 23-year-old Gregory Butler was taken into custody by detectives in the South Los Angeles Area near on 25th Street and Maple Avenue.  He was booked for robbery and his bail was set at $170,000.

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Newton Division is seeking the public’s help for information on the identity and whereabouts of a suspect who robbed a 42-year-old wheelchair-bound man in Los Angeles on December 5, 2009.  

At around 11:35 a.m., the suspect was seen lurking near a liquor store in the 4000 block of South Long Beach Avenue.  A video surveillance tape shows the wheelchair-bound man leaving the store and the suspect attacking him from behind and forcibly grabbing his necklace.  A short struggle ensued as the victim tried to prevent the suspect from taking his property.  Eventually, the suspect overpowered the victim, ran away with his property and was last seen west bound on Vernon Avenue.  The victim sustained minor injuries, but did not require medical attention.  

The suspect is described as a male Black, 17-25 years old, 5’9"- 5’10" tall and weighing about 160-170 pounds.  He was last seen wearing a burgundy hooded jacket with dark lining and with white letters across the chest, blue jeans and white tennis shoes.
           
Detectives believe that the suspect may be responsible for several other robberies in the area.  Anyone with information about this crime is urged to contact Newton Area Robbery detectives Verner or Nava 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.