Watch: Brazen West LA Shoplifter Caught On Camera

WEST LOS ANGELES, CA — Authorities Monday released security video of a man being sought for stealing two Apple cell phones from a Best Buy store in West Los Angeles.

The crime occurred about 7:45 p.m. Thursday in the 11300 block of West Pico Boulevard, the Los Angeles Police Department reported.

"While inside the business, the suspect selected several items and placed them in (a) shopping cart," according to an LAPD statement. "The suspect then walked towards the cellular phone counter and told the employee he wanted to purchase two cell phones. The employee placed the cell phones on the counter, and that is when the suspect grabbed the two cell phones, placed them inside of a brown satchel bag, and ran toward the exit."

A male employee tried to stop the man, and the pair struggled in the doorway and out into the street, police said. The suspect then brandished a knife and pointed a pepper device at the employee, who retreated into the store, police said.

The suspect was described as black, 25-35 years old, 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing 180 pounds, with black braided hair.

Anyone with information on his identity was urged to call police at 310-444-1580 or 877-LAPD-247; or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.

City News Service