UPDATE: LBPD Is Interviewing A "Person Of Interest," Says A "Connection To The Case Has Yet To Be Determined"; LBPD Believes Thurs. Morning's (Feb. 9) Los Cerritos Res. Robbery That Included Attempted Sexual Assault On 90-Year Old Woman IS TIED To String Of Similar Res Robberies (Incl. One Sexual Assault) In Area of Atlantic/Via Carmelitos
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(Feb. 10, 2017, 12:15 p.m.) -- LBPD states that "a person of interest is being interviewed, matches the description of the individual portrayed in the news release, and a "connection to the case has yet to be determined." LBPD says an "active investigation continues and detectives are pursuing all leads in the robbery series."
(Feb. 9, 2017, UPDATED 8:40 p.m.) -- LBPD has released surveillance cam videos below of the person of interest sought in connection with a string of robberies (one with a sexual assault, another with an attempted sexual assault) of older women. Some occurred between Feb. 2 and Feb. 5 in a senior housing complex in the area of Atlantic Ave./Via Carmelitos...and the most recent occurred on Thurs. morning Feb. 9 at a home in the 3700 block of Pacific Ave.
LBPD says its Detectives "obtained video from surveillance cameras in the senior housing complex; one video clip shows the person of interest outdoors and another video clip appears to show the same person of interest in a stairwell. The video clips are being released in hopes that someone will recognize this individual and come forward."
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LBPD asks anyone who may have information regarding this case is encouraged to call LBPD's Sex Crimes Detective J. Kearns at (562) 570-7368 or email LBPDSexCrimes@longbeach.gov. Anyone knowing the immediate whereabouts of the suspect should call 9-1-1.
(Feb. 9, 2017, UPDATED 4:20 p.m.) -- LBPD says the person below is a person-of-interest wanted for questioning in connection with a string of Feb. 2-5 alleged residential robberies (including an alleged sexual assault) on elderly women in the area of Atlantic Ave./Via Carmelitos AND LBPD NOW BELIEVES THESE ARE TIRF to an alleged residential robbery -- that included an alleged attempted sexual assault -- this morning (Feb. 9) on a 90 year old woman in the 3700 block of Pacific Ave.
LBPD released photo
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LBPD PIO Marlene Arrona says that this morning (Feb. 9) at roughly 7:24 a.m., officers were dispatched to a panic alarm at a residence in the 3700 block of Pacific Ave.; [update, 8:35 p.m., updated release text] "The preliminary investigation indicates a male African-American suspect rang the victim's doorbell, forced his way into the residence, committed an attempt sexual assault, and the fled with the victim's property. Although the victim was able to fight off her attacker, she did sustain injuries. Long Beach Fire Department personnel transported the 90-year-old female victim, with what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries, to a local hospital."
Shortly before 3:00 p.m. today (Feb. 9), LBPD PIO Arrona indicated that LBPD now believes this morning's events ARE believed tied to a string of residential robberies on elderly women (including an attempted sexual assault) in the area of Atlantic Ave./Via Carmelitos.
In a release, LBPD says four incidents occurred between Feb. 2 and Feb. 5, 2017, at various times between 5:45 a.m. and 7:45 p.m., all of which occurred in a senior housing complex near Atlantic Ave./Via Carmelitos...and all of victims were elderly females between the ages of 63 years to 95 years. The release says that in most cases, a male adult suspect knocked on the door, forced his way inside, and physically assaulted the victims. Stolen property included purses, cell phones, and cash. In one case, the victim was walking near the residential complex when the robbery occurred.
Prior to this morning's (Feb. 9) alleged residential robbery/attempted sexual assault, the most recent residential robbery involved a sexual assault. LBPD's release says the suspect rang the victim's doorbell, forced his way into the residence, sexually assaulted the victim, and fled with cash. LBFD personnel transported the victim, with what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries, to a local hospital.
Following the incidents, patrol officers searched for the suspect in the area. Law enforcement agencies in the region have been alerted and the investigation remains ongoing.
Detectives obtained video from surveillance cameras in the area and released the photo above of the person of interest, described as follows:
Gender: Male
Race: African-American
Age: 25 to 30 years
Height: 5'5" to 5'11"
Physical Description: Thin to medium build
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If you have any information about the whereabouts of this individual, LBPD asks you to call 9-1-1 (and anonymous tips may be submitted through "LA Crime Stoppers" by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the "P3 Tips" app to your smart phone (available at the Apple App store and Google Play), or by visiting www.LACrimeStoppers.orgLACrimeStoppers.org.)
