In a release, LBPD says its detectives identified a possible suspect, conducted an undercover surveillance in the 5200 block of Orange Ave., observed the suspect, approached him...and arrested him. He's a 21 year old Long Beach man [unidentified by LBPD for now.] LBPD says its follow-up investigation also recovered the loss from the robberies and the District Attorney has charged the suspect with two counts of robbery.

However LBPD's Robbery Detectives believe there may be additional unidentified victims and/or witnesses and is seeking help from anyone who may have recently witnessed or been victimized by a robbery in the 5200 block of Orange Ave. or the surrounding area...or been a victim of a robbery under similar circumstances.

In a release, LBPD says:

[LBPD release text] Between January 3, and January 6, 2014 three separate unsuspecting victims responded to personal advertisements posted on an online classified advertisement website. Upon meeting with the intended contact in the 5200 block of Orange Avenue, a suspect approached the victims and demanded their personal property. Out of fear for their safety, the victims relinquished their property to the suspect, including cell phones, keys and money. No weapons were used during the robberies and fortunately none of the victims were injured.

Robbery detectives immediately began investigating and identified a possible suspect. The investigation led detectives to the 5200 block of Orange Avenue, where an undercover surveillance took place. Detectives observed the suspect at this location, approached him and apprehended him without incident. Detectives conducted a follow-up investigation, which led to the recovery of the loss from the robberies.

The case was presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office on 01/17/14 and two counts of robbery were filed against the suspect.

Robbery Detectives believe there may be additional unidentified victims and/or witnesses to these crimes. If anyone has recently witnessed or been a victim of a robbery in the 5200 block of Orange Avenue or surrounding area (or have been a victim of a robbery with similar circumstances) please contact Robbery Detective Mark Steenhausen at (562) 570-7465. Anonymous tips may be submitted by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), texting TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org.