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LAPD releases Korean women targeting purse-snatching suspect video

January 6, 2015

LOS ANGELES (CNS) – Police today released surveillance video footage in hopes of identifying a suspect responsible for several purse-snatchings in the Koreatown area of Los Angeles in which he battered his victims.

The victims in all of the crimes were Korean women targeted in apartment building elevators, according to Los Angeles police.

The first two crimes occurred on Nov. 9 about 4:25 a.m. in the 300 block of Alexandria Avenue, and on Nov. 23 about 12:30 a.m. in the 500 block of Hobart Boulevard. In both cases, the suspect followed the victim into an elevator, then punched her and took her purse.

On Dec. 23 about 2 a.m., the suspect targeted his third victim in the 300 block of Alexandria Avenue. This time he sexually battered her, and punched her numerous times before taking her purse.

In the most recent attack, which occurred Dec. 30 about 10:50 p.m. in the 400 block of Westmoreland Avenue, he pressed a sharp object on his victim’s neck and tried to take her purse. When she held onto the handbag, the suspect slammed her to the ground and kicked her numerous times before taking the purse.

Police described the suspect as an Hispanic man in his 20s, about 5 feet 6 to 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing between 130 and 170 pounds. He favors sweatshirts and shorts.

Anyone with information was asked to call the Los Angeles Police Department’s robbery detectives at (213) 382-9460. On weekends or evenings, calls can be directed to (877) 527-3247.