10:00am | A 33-year old man was shot and killed in the middle of the afternoon on Monday, leaving police searching for suspects.
Authorities believe that two male suspects approached Franklin Robles around 2:40pm near the 1400 block of West 16th Street on Monday afternoon. Robles, a resident of Lake Elsinore, was robbed of personal items and then shot in the upper body. He was transported to a local hospital but died a short time later.
Police have not released any suspect information at this time, but they do ask anyone with information to contact Homicide Detectives Malcolm Evans and Todd Johnson at 562.570.7244.
The incident highlights what police say is a growing problem in Long Beach: walk-up robberies.
One week ago, the Long Beach Police Department released a statement warning residents of the danger of “strong-arm street robberies” that have recently occurred in Long Beach and surrounding cities, sometimes resulting in assaults and injuries. The fatal incident involving Robles is just the latest.
Most of the victims, the police release said, are female, and had gold or silver necklaces snatched from their necks while out in public.
In the past few months, numerous robberies have occurred citywide involving victims that are robbed of their gold or silver necklaces while they are walking. Most of the victims are female, and are victimized when they were carrying laundry, grocery bags, or children.
The statement advised residents to keep necklaces concealed under clothing, be aware of surroundings and who is around you, walk in groups, and move to well-populated areas if you feel you are being followed. If an incident occurs, immediately call 9-1-1.
They also recommend that anyone who has been the victim of a robbery, but has not yet reported it, to call 562.435.6711.