The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public’s help after a violent robbery that was captured on security video on Melrose Avenue.
Just before 5 p.m. Tuesday, two men followed the victim into a business in the 8200 block of Melrose Avenue, demanded his watch and “pistol-whipped him when he resisted,” police said.
A video shared by the LAPD shows a gray-clad robber throwing the victim to the floor, chasing him, and striking him with a pistol.
“The suspects then violently pulled off the victim’s watch from his wrist and fled in a white 2014 Toyota Corolla,” police said. “The victim left the scene in a black SUV before the officer’s arrival.”
On Wednesday, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department arrested Demetri Sherman in Moreno Valley on a robbery charge. Authorities allege he was one of the robbers, and he was detained while driving a white 2014 Toyota Carolla.
Sherman was being held in lieu of $160,000 bail.
The other suspect is a man believed to be 20 to 25 years old, police said. They believe he stands 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighs about 170 pounds. He was last seen armed with a handgun and wearing a gray jumpsuit, police said.
Anyone with information on the robbery is asked to call Detective A. Aguayo at 213-922-8215.
During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit lacrimestoppers.org.
