A Local Man Robbed Two Young Women of their Purses NR12276rh

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department Central Robbery detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of a suspect who robbed two young women of their purses.

On May 28, 2012, around 7 p.m., a man with wide-set eyes robbed two young women at gunpoint of their purses near Hill Street and Olympic Boulevard.

Based on the suspect's nonchalant behavior, he has probably done this on more than one occasion and will, more than likely do it again. The suspect had a towel wrapped around his neck during the commission of the robberies, probably as a means to hide his tattoos.

Video from a gas station video camera later captured his image when he tried to fill up the minivan in which he and a driver used as their get-away car.  Detectives are hoping someone will recognize the robbers or the van from surveillance pictures.

The suspect is described as a male Hispanic, 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighs about 180 pounds.  He was wearing a white T-shirt that had a circular emblem over the left breast.

The getaway van is teal in color, 1990’s model of import minivan, either a Toyota, Nissan, or Honda.

The gun used was a silver semi-automatic pistol with a black handle.

According to Department officials, the van could be stolen, but chances are, if he’s filling it with gas a day later, the van probably belongs to the robbery duo.  “The Valero gas station is at Central Avenue and Adams Street, so the suspect may well live in that area.”

If anyone has any additional information regarding this crime or the involved individuals please contact Central Robbery Detective Adrian Lopez at 213-972-1245. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers 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.