WHO:
Assistant Chief George Gascon, Commanding Officer, Office of Operations, Deputy Chief Gary Brennan, Commanding Officer, Detective Bureau, Captain Al Michelena, Commanding Officer, Robbery-Homicide Division and Robbery-Homicide Detectives

WHAT:
News Conference

WHEN:
September 17, 2004
9:30 a.m.

WHERE:
Parker Center
150 North Los Angeles Street
Los Angeles 90012

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division personnel are investigating a series of miscellaneous business robberies within West Bureau.

Beginning on May 18, 2004, a series of at least 15 robberies began in West Bureau. Two to four male Black suspects wearing masks or bandanas, hooded sweatshirts, and gloves enter businesses such as markets, restaurants, and video stores then commit a takeover style robbery. The suspects use handguns to rob the establishment. On occasion the suspects take money and property from patrons. The suspects run out of the locations after the robberies and possibly drive away in either an orange colored 1970-1975 Volkswagon van with a yellow stripe and chrome wheels or a black 1995 Nissan sedan

Anyone with information regarding these robberies or anyone who recognizes any of the suspects is requested to contact Robbery-Homicide Division, at 213-485-2511. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

This news advisory was prepared by Los Angeles Police Department’s Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.