The Long Beach Police Department wants the public to be aware that a robbery suspect struck the downtown area four times in a four-day period, and injured two of his victims with a sharp object. The victims’ injuries were not life threatening, but did require immediate medical attention. The suspect is described as a male black, 25-40 years old with an average build. In all incidents a vehicle was not seen. Anyone with information on the following crimes is urged to Long Beach Police Robbery Detective Steve Prell at (562) 570-5537.
Friday, April 25, 2008, approximately 9:30 p.m., Linden Avenue near Broadway – a woman was walking on Linden Avenue and was approached by the suspect who demanded money while wielding a sharp instrument. The victim complied and the suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of money. The victim was unharmed.
Saturday, April 26, 2008, approximately 6:45 p.m., 100 block of Linden Avenue – a woman was working in a clothing store when the suspect entered and demanded money while wielding a sharp instrument. The victim complied and the suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of money. The victim was unharmed.
Sunday, April 27, 2008 at approximately 11:20 a.m., 300 block of Elm Avenue – a woman was in front of a business when the suspect approached and demanded money at knifepoint. The suspect stabbed the victim multiple times in her upper body, then fled without obtaining money from the victim. The victim was transported to a local hospital.
Monday, April 28, 2008 at approximately 1:00 p.m., 300 block of East 8th Street – a woman was working in a clothing store when the suspect entered and demanded money while wielding a sharp instrument. The victim complied, giving the suspect an undisclosed amount of cash and the suspect cut the victim multiple times in the upper body.
To increase public safety, the Long Beach Police Department advises the following:
* Program the Long Beach Police alternate emergency number, (562) 435-6711, into your cellular phone, 9-1-1 from cell phones goes to California Highway Patrol, not the local Police. If your business is being robbed, calling 9-1-1 from a landline phone and leaving it off the hook will summon police to your location.
* Keep windows of your business clear of advertising material and decorations, which can screen an intruder from outside view.
* Avoid working alone, and have a phone that is easily accessible inside the business.
* Be sure security cameras are in good working order and maintained regularly. Consider upgrading to a digital system, this greatly assists in apprehending suspects.