Los Angeles - Wilshire Area Robbery Detectives are investigating seven commercial robberies, which appear to involve the same suspect.

All of the robberies involve a single male Hispanic suspect entering a small business, usually hair salons or beauty supply stores, and pretending to be a customer. The suspect will then produce a large knife, with approximately an 8" inch blade, and hold it towards an employee. The suspect demands money from the cash registers and sometimes jewelry or money from the individual employees. The suspect has stabbed one person.

The suspect is described as a male, Hispanic, short black hair, brown eyes, 5’07"/5’08", 140/160 pounds, 18 to 25 years of age. The suspect possibly has a light mustache and gaps in his front teeth (or possibly missing teeth). He also possibly works as a day laborer in the Wilshire Area. Robberies at the following locations are attributed to the suspect:

• 12-23-02, 2100 block of South La Brea Avenue.
• 12-26-02, 1800 block of South Arlington Avenue.
• 12-28-02, 3500 block of West Venice Boulevard.
• 01-02-03, 1500 block of South Western Avenue.
• 01-03-03, 4400 block of West Pico Boulevard.
• 01-03-03, 5000 block of West Pico Boulevard.
• 01-27-03, 4500 block of West Pico Boulevard.

A digital still image of the suspect from the store surveillance camera is available by contacting the Los Angeles Police Department Media Relations Section at, 213-485-3586.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact the Wilshire Robbery Detectives at 213 473-0446. During off hours and weekends, please call the Wilshire Division Watch Commander at 213-485-4022 or on weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-529-3855.

This press release was prepared by Officer Renee’ Montoya, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.