Robbery Committed with Handgun and Facsimile Explosive Device NR12135kr

Los Angeles:  A suspect used a handgun and an object resembling an explosive device to hold up a wholesale store along a busy street in the western part of Los Angeles.

On March 16, 2012, around 8:40 p.m., a suspect walked into a warehouse store in the 10100 block of Venice Boulevard holding a handgun and what appeared to be an explosive device.  The suspect used the weapons to intimidate two store employees, forcing one to open a safe.  After retrieving an undisclosed amount of money the suspect ran from the store.

During the investigation Detectives discovered the stores surveillance camera had captured the suspects’ image when he entered the store on March 12 and March 15, 2012.  He is described as a 50-year to 60-year-old male Black, 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet tall, 180 to 200 pounds.  Detectives are asking for the public’s help to identify him.

Anyone with information about this incident, or the suspect, is asked to contact Major Crimes Division, Criminal Conspiracy Section, Detective E. Sun at 213-486-7260.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).  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.