A man has been arrested for a series of violent robberies targeting elderly victims of a downtown Los Angeles company.
The suspect, Richard Neur McDowell III, 20, was arrested in a string of attacks, and Los Angeles police believe there may be more casualties.
On January 27th, McDowell is accused of entering a store in the 900 block of South Santee Street. He pretended to be interested in buying items. The 70-year-old store clerk walked to the back of the store and McDowell allegedly pushed him into the closet and placed him in a chokehold. He swung a firearm around, took money from the man and fled the scene, police said.
On February 20th, he targeted a shop in the 1100 block of South Los Angeles Street. He viewed and waited until the 72-year-old clerk walked behind the store and then hit it on the ground, police said. He is said to have punched the man several times, stomped on his chest, then strangled him until he lost consciousness. He took the man’s property and cash register before he could escape.
On March 7th, he joined the business in the 1500 block of South Los Angeles Street. He was dressed for a few minutes, and was dressed until the 49-year-old store clerk moved to the back of the store before punching him and placing it in a chalk hold. He is said to have smashed the victim’s head on a nearby table and floor. He demanded money, but only managed to escape on the victim’s cell phone.
On March 9th, he is said to have stolen the store in the 1100 block of South Los Angeles Street. Once again, he waited until the 51-year-old store clerk walked backwards and then placed him in a chokehold and punched his face, police said. He picked up the register and threw it on the ground to break it. He then kicked and punched the store clerk, and is said to have placed him in another chokehold before fleeing with the stolen property.
Detectives said there were three additional robbery investigations, including McDowell, which fits similar descriptions.
McDowell was arrested and arrested for robbery. Police did not release photos of his appointment, but described him as a black man with dark hair and brown eyes. He is 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs about 180 pounds. He is being held on $250,000 bail.
“Due to the nature of these robberies, investigators believe there may be additional casualties,” LAPD said. “Investigators believe the suspect targeted an elderly person who worked for himself in a retail facility.”
Anyone who is a victim or has information about the case should contact detective Steve Garcia at 213-996-1867 or email 33140@lapd.online. The public can also call LAPD at 1-877-527-3247.
Anonymous tips can be provided to LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.
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