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A shocking video was released today by Los Angeles detectives of a daytime robbery that occurred on 1st Street between Los Angeles Street and San Pedro Street in Little Tokyo on June 24. A man is seen choking an elderly blind woman and robbing her of a gold chain and jade pendant, according to a news release.
“This is shocking to watch, especially when you consider this woman is legally blind,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Central Detective Division. “When you watch the video you can actually read the crook’s mind as he sizes up his victim and waits for witnesses to walk by.”
The victim, a 68-year-old retired resident of Little Tokyo, was pushing her walker down the sidewalk around noon, when she was attacked. The suspect is described as "a short Hispanic man" wearing a white shirt, small back pack, and a baseball cap turned backwards. He is seen sneaking up behind her, grabbing the woman by the throat and choking her as "struggles to understand what is happening."
“She fights back, but the suspect gets her gold chain and jade pendant, worth about $100,” Lt. Vernon explained. “If this video doesn’t make you angry, little will.”
A nearby business owner came to the victim's rescue and the suspect fled on foot. Detectives are investigating other video to search for more suspect images.
“Street robberies are uncommon in the Little Tokyo area, so this one really stands out,” Lt. Vernon said. “And this suspect really needs to go to jail.”
