LAPD Major Crimes-Criminal Conspiracy Section detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing information that could lead to the arrest of a suspect who robbed a store in the Venice area.

On March 16, 2012, at around 8:40 p.m., a man entered a store in the 10100 block of Venice Boulevard and held a gun to a victim’s back and demanded money. The suspect ordered the victim to open the office safe, and the victim complied in fear for their safety.  Once the safe was opened, the victim loaded all of the money in the safe into the suspect’s bag. The suspect threatened to harm the victim if the bag was not loaded quickly. Once the bag was filled, the suspect ran out of the location and the authorities were called immediately.

The suspect is described as a 50- to 60-year-old male African American with black hair and brown eyes. He is 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs between 180 and 190 pounds. He was described as wearing a black baseball cap, a dark blue and grey jacket and black and white Adidas shoes. He was also carrying a black tote bag with white writing on the side. The weapon that was used was described as a blue steel handgun.

Anyone with additional information regarding this crime or the involved individuals is advised to contact Detective Sun at (213)486-7336. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to (877)LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at (800)222-8477. Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.