Local News

Actions

CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Shirtless suspect attacks victim in violent robbery

WATCH: Police seek suspect in violent robbery
Posted
and last updated
Police need your help finding a man accused of robbery.
 
At approximately 6:43 a.m. Sept. 5, police officers responded to a gas station in the 1500 block of West Bonanza Road near Martin Luther King Boulevard for a report of a strong-arm robbery.
 

Investigators say the suspect parked his vehicle on an adjacent street, removed his shirt and walked back toward the fueling station.
 
The suspect can be seen approaching a random victim, grabbing him from behind and forcefully throwing him to the ground.
 
During the encounter the suspect stole several items of value from the victim. After the robbery, the suspect ran back to his vehicle and drove away.
 

The victim, Melesio Mendez, and his girlfriend were at pump number 6 when the man without a shirt attacked.

Mendez said he did not see it coming and did not know the man.

"No, nothing nothing, we didn't see him, we don't know him," he said.

Mendez said the suspect stole a gold necklace and watch. He remembered being grabbed by the suspect but not much else before he is unconscious.

His girlfriend got out of the car but she says she was too afraid to approach.

The couple was in Las Vegas for vacation and were on their way back to Los Angeles that morning when the attack happened.

 
The suspect is an adult male, approximately 20-years-old, race unknown, 5-feet 8-inches tall and about 150 pounds.
 
He was last seen shirtless with black pants. He was seen driving a white 4-door sedan.
 
If you have any information, please call Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555.