1 arrested in rash of South LA gardener robberies

SOUTH LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Detectives with the Los Angeles Police Department said an arrest was made in a rash of armed robberies targeting gardeners in the South Los Angeles area.

Authorities said surveillance video helped lead to one arrest, but stated a second suspect was still at large.

The video showed a man walking up to a gardener, shoving a gun into the victim's side, patting him down and then robbing him before running away.

Investigators said there have been nearly 20 such robberies between South L.A. and Inglewood since March.

Detectives believed the robbers could be targeting the victims believing some may be undocumented immigrants and not willing to report the crimes.

However, officials said some gardeners came forward despite any concerns and police encouraged other victims to do the same without fear of any repercussions due to legal status.

Investigators also said gardeners could be targeted because they're often paid in cash.

The suspects made off with upwards of a thousand dollars in the rash of robberies, according to police.

Officials stated the suspects have either fled on foot or in a white Mercedes-Benz.

The outstanding suspect should be considered armed and dangerous, according to detectives.

Investigators believe there could be more victims and encouraged them to come forward by calling the LAPD at (877) 527-3247.