Crime & Safety

Watch: Gunman Robs Two Venice Blvd. Stores In 10 Minutes

Police hope someone will recognize a brazen robber, who hit two westside convenience stores within minutes of each other.

Police hope someone will recognize a brazen robber, who hit two westside convenience stores within minutes of each other.
Police hope someone will recognize a brazen robber, who hit two westside convenience stores within minutes of each other. (YouTube screengrab)

LOS ANGELES, CA — A gunman who robbed two convenience stores on Venice Boulevard within ten minutes was caught on camera, and police hope someone will recognize him.

The Los Angeles Police Department released security video of the suspect who robbed both stores at gunpoint on in the Palms area of Los Angeles.

The first robbery occurred at 5 a.m. Wednesday in the 12400 block of Venice, and the second occurred about 10 minutes later in the 11100 block, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

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"A lone male suspect entered the stores and posed as a customer," an LAPD statement said. "Once the clerk was distracted, the suspect produced a black handgun, held the clerk at gunpoint and demanded money."

The clerks complied and the suspect fled, police said.

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He was described as black, about 35-45 years old, about 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet tall, and weighing about 180 pounds. He wore dark clothing and was armed with a semi-automatic handgun.

Anyone with information on the crime was urged to call detectives at 310-482-6369; 877-LAPD-247; or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.

City News Service contributed to this report.

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