The BHPD used special equipment to restrain the suspect, who was arrested for robbery and resisting arrest. (photo by Edwin Folven)

A 39-year-old man who police described as a transient was arrested on Aug. 27 at the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Hamilton Drive in Beverly Hills and booked for robbery.

The suspect, Curtis Ward Turner, was also arrested for resisting arrest, Beverly Hills Police Department Sgt. Audra Alatorre said. Officers used what she called a “wrap restraint” during the arrest, which includes a backboard and straps that immobilize a suspect, as well as a protective helmet.

“It is used to protect them from hurting themselves and to protect us,” Alatorre said. “They put a helmet on them and restrain them before transporting them to the police department, where the protective equipment is taken off.”

Alatorre said the suspect entered a liquor store near Wilshire and San Vicente boulevards on Aug. 27 and stole merchandise, but employees did not call police. The suspect returned 45 minutes later and attempted to steal more merchandise, at which time an employee confronted the suspect and a physical altercation occurred. Store employees called the BHPD and officers located the suspect three blocks away near Wilshire Boulevard and Hamilton Drive. Alatorre said the incident rose from theft to robbery when the suspect used “force or fear” during the commission of a crime.

“He became involved in a physical altercation, which makes it a robbery,” she added.

Anyone with information is urged to call the BHPD at (310)550-4951.