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News Release Thursday, September 23, 2010
Hot Prowl Robbery in Alexandria Hotel
Los Angeles: LAPD detectives released video today of a man wanted in an early-morning robbery at the Alexandria Hotel located at 501 South Spring Street.
“This man startled a married couple out of their sleep as he stood over them with a knife,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Central Detective Division. “The suspect stole cash, laptops, and ATM cards, which he used to withdraw cash later.”
Around 4 a.m. on September 21, a Black man, wearing a light polo shirt, burst into a room at the Alexandria Hotel where a married couple was sleeping. Seeing the knife, the victims agreed to cooperate with the suspect, which included giving him their PINs to ATM cards.
Surveillance cameras in the hotel captured the suspect’s image walking through the garage and up a stairway in the hotel.
“Most burglars go out of their way to avoid confrontation,” Lt. Vernon explained. “This suspect was not afraid of running into his victims, and perhaps, intended to all along. That makes him more dangerous.”
Police use the term “hot prowl” to describe a burglary in which the suspect enters with a resident present. Hot prowls occur less often than traditional burglaries, but they raise the level of concern and the threat of violence.
“It’s possible the suspect lives in the hotel himself, or in the neighborhood,” Lt. Vernon added. “We hope someone will recognize him so we can arrest him before he hurts someone.”
Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Detective Alfredo Rasch, Central Robbery Unit, at 213-972-1245. Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org by clicking on “webtips” and following the prompts.
Around 4 a.m. on September 21, a Black man, wearing a light polo shirt, burst into a room at the Alexandria Hotel where a married couple was sleeping. Seeing the knife, the victims agreed to cooperate with the suspect, which included giving him their PINs to ATM cards.
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