3 suspects sought in robberies targeting people walking alone in Koreatown

KOREATOWN, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Los Angeles police are asking for the public's help to find and identify three armed robbery suspects who appear to prey on people walking alone in Koreatown.

Authorities said on Aug. 13 between 1:30 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. there were two separate armed robberies in the 900 block of St. Andrews Place and the 1200 block of Manhattan Place.

In both cases, the suspects approached the victims who were walking alone. One suspect is said to show a black handgun and demand property.

In one of the robberies, the victim's stolen credit card was used at a gas station right after the robbery. The surveillance video caught the three suspects and a vehicle they were in.

One resident, Jayson Vaughn, said he was almost robbed at gunpoint and blames the lack of parking in the area for people being more vulnerable. He said there are limited spaces in the neighborhoods, so people have to park far from home and walk.

"So either they're catching people while they're parking or while they're walking," Vaughn said.

Another resident, Sasha Burns, said she shares her location with her sister or other people she knows so that they know where she is should anything happen.

The vehicle is described as a gray newer model Audi Q5 4D with paper plates.

The first suspect is described as a man who is between 20 to 25 years old, 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing about 150 pounds. He was last seen wearing a red T-shirt, black pants and black shoes.

The second suspect is described as a man between 17 and 20 years old, 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing about 160 pounds. He was last seen wearing a light-colored Polo shirt, beige pants and black shoes.

The third suspect is described as a man between 20 and 25 years old, 5 feet 10 inches tall, about 160 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black T-shirt, beige pants and black shoes.

Anyone with more information was urged to call the LAPD Olympic area robbery detectives at (213) 382-9391. During non-business hours, people may call (877) 527-3247. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.