Armed robbers take man’s wallet
A Santa Monica man was robbed at gunpoint in broad daylight last week while walking downtown.
Santa Monica Police responded to a call at 12:15 p.m. on Thursday by the victim, who said he was jumped from behind and thrown to the ground in the 1300 block of Fifth Street, between Arizona Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard.
While he was on the ground, one of the suspects pointed a gun at the victim, while the other demanded his wallet, which he handed over. Both suspects then fled on foot.
It was unknown how much money was in the man’s wallet.
The first suspect is described as a muscular, black male, 30-35 years old, 6-feet tall, wearing a black, hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, with a short, full beard.
The second suspect, who brandished the gun, is described as a black male, 30- 35 years old, 5 feet, 8 inches tall, 170 pounds, wearing a black jacket with white letters, black pants, and clean shaven. He wore dark sunglasses.
While violent crime can strike anywhere at anytime, people can take precautions so incidents such as this one are prevented, said SMPD Lt. Frank Fabrega.
“Regardless if it’s daytime or nighttime, people need to be aware of their surroundings,” he said. “People are talking on their cell phones or daydreaming — they do everything but pay attention.”
Police suggest that people be on the lookout for suspicious individuals around them. If they feel they are being followed, cross the street or go into a local business, Fabrega said. And always look at people’s faces as you walk by them, it may help in the long run.
“The more we can narrow it down the better off we will be,” Fabrega said, adding that often times victims can only describe their assailants by their clothing. “Clothing can be discarded. We are looking for facial information, physical descriptions.”
Anyone who may have information about the April 5 armed robbery, contact the robbery/homicide unit of the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458-8451.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 9, 2002. Read the original PDF.