Suspect sought in Van Nuys dental office takeover robbery

(CNS/FOX 11) - Police released video of a suspect who assaulted a dentist in the course of a takeover robbery at a Van Nuys dental office.

The suspect entered the office, located near Van Nuys Boulevard and Sherman Way, about 7:30 a.m. on Aug. 30, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

"The office was closed, but the suspect entered through an unlocked door," according to a police statement. "The suspect donned a lab coat, a surgical mask, protective eyewear and latex gloves and began to remove property."

When the office manager arrived, entering through the front door of the office, he was confronted by the suspect and forced to the rear office where the suspect took his personal property, police said.

"The office manager remained in the office while the suspect continued to remove property," police said. "The dentist then entered the business through the front door and went to the dental examination room.

"The suspect armed himself with a sharp tool, entered the dental examination room, confronted the dentist and assaulted him. During the assault, additional employees entered the business. They heard a struggle and entered the dental examination room where they observed the suspect assaulting the dentist. The suspect fled the location on foot."

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics were called but the dentist only sustained minor contusions from the sharp tool wielded by the suspect and refused treatment.

The suspect is described as Hispanic, 27-33 years old, 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall with a medium build and short dark hair.

He was last seen wearing protective eyewear, a surgical mask, latex gloves, dark scrub shirt, white lab coat, blue jeans and brown boots.

Anyone with information about the robbery and assault was urged to call (818) 374-0081 to speak with Van Nuys Robbery Detective Cheun.

After hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to (877) LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).

Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling (800) 222-TIPS or at lacrimestoppers.org