(July 18, 2005) -- In a story first reported at midmorning as an advisory on LBReport.com's front page (www.lbreport.com), part of downtown LB saw a large police presence from midmorning to early afternoon today (July 18) as LBPD conducted a grueling, intense search for two armed robbery suspects.

LBReport.com Public Information Officer Nancy Pratt tells LBReport.com that a 911 call came in at about 8:52 a.m. regarding an armed robbery in the area of Chestnut Ave. and Seaside Way near the Pike area. Police arrived and found that a parking attendant had been robbed at gunpoint...and the loss was some cash.

The suspects were described as two male Blacks in their mid-20's wearing dark clothing.

The area, in the vicinity of residential and office highrise buildings and tourist venues, presented multiple challenges...and the perimeter itself was fairly large (included Ocean to Chestnut to Pacific) making the search more difficult.

A command post was set up in front of the Courthouse. At midmorning, cops were everywhere and pursuing a no-nonsense search. At one point, LBPD called for the assistance of an L.A. Sheriff bloodhound.

It was difficult work and ultimately frustrating: the suspects somehow slipped away; LBPD called off the search about 1:30 p.m.

Help the police find these suspects. If you have information about what took place, call LBPD Robbery Detective Hugh Cortes at (562) 570-7464.