Echo Park - On Monday, February 26, 2001, at approximately 10:00 p.m., Rampart Division officers responded to a radio call of a robbery in the 700 block of North Robinson Street. Upon arrival, officers contacted one of the victims at the front door. The victim advised the officers that they had been robbed and the second victim was inside the residence. The officers entered the residence and observed the second victim who needed medical treatment. The second victim was transported to a local hospital by Los Angeles City Fire Paramedics in stable condition.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects knocked on the victim's residence door. As the victim opened the door, the suspects forced the door open and brandished a handgun. The suspects then entered the residence and confronted the second victim. The suspects struck the victims and then tied up both victims. During the confrontation, derogatory statements were made towards the victims. The suspects ransacked the residence, took victims property and fled with the victims' two vehicles.

The suspects are described as two male Hispanics, black hair, brown eyes, 5'8" to 6'0" tall, weighing 180-200 pounds, in their mid 20's. The suspects were described as having shaved heads and statements were made indicating gang membership.

The victims' vehicles are described as:

1994 BMW 325 SI, 2-door, black, license plate 3HJH707

1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee, green, license plate 3FIA958

The motive for this crime appears to be robbery but the case is being investigated as a potential Hate Crime.

Any one with information regarding this incident is urged to call the Rampart Gang unit at 213-207-2117 during day watch hours or Rampart Area Watch Commander at 213-485-4062 during off-hours.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section 213-485-3586.