Los Angeles: On Monday, February 17, 2003 at 6:45 p.m., Los Angeles Police Department Officers Daniel Vasquez and Nicholas Sysak were assigned to patrol within the Oakwood Area of Los Angeles.

Traveling south on 6^th Street approaching Westminster Avenue, the officers were on patrol when they observed a crime in progress.

Looking east on Westminster Avenue, the officers observed a male Black physically restraining an elderly male who was struggling to free himself. Pinning the victim against a fence, the suspect saw the oncoming black and white police car and quickly released the victim. The suspect immediately handed something to the elderly male and attempted to appear as if he and the elderly male were friends.

The officers immediately stopped to investigate the suspicious behavior. Their professional law enforcement insight and persistent investigation revealed that the suspect had forcefully taken money and keys from the elderly male. As a result of the officers’ observations and quick action, the suspect, 51 year-old Keith Marshall, who is currently on parole, was arrested and booked for Robbery. The victim, who at the time of the robbery was walking to a nearby relative’s home, was shaken, but unhurt.

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