Disturbing images of robbery and attack on transgender women in the heart of Hollywood
HOLLYWOOD, Calif. - Los Angeles Police Department Hollywood robbery detectives are asking for the public’s help on Tuesday in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of a suspect who committed a robbery/hate crime.
“We are horrified at that video,” says a captain at LAPD's Hollywood division, about Instagram posts depicting a violent robbery on Hollywood Blvd. near Wilcox.
“We will not tolerate this,” adds Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell, who represents the area and is working with police to release clear images to help catch those involved.
A group of men descend on the trio of transgender women, first stealing a phone, then a purse. The people videotaping the incident are laughing and commenting, as the women trip or are pushed down by the wolf-like pack of young men.
Get breaking news alerts in the FOX 11 News app. Download for iOS or Android.
The whole set of images touches on crime against transgender women, on how low social media behavior can go, and the COVID related decline of neighborhoods, even world destinations like Hollywood.
RELATED: Report: Car thefts rising in Los Angeles during pandemic
The suspect is described as a 25-year-old Black male with black hair, brown eyes, standing at 6 feet tall, and weighing approximately180 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black tank top, black shorts.
Hollywood robbery hate crime suspect (LAPD)
Now, here is an interesting thing.
According to police, crime has gone down in the area.
Statistics indicate that the common target, the out of town tourist, is pretty much gone from Hollywood.
So, cellphone robberies, car break-ins and purse snatching are down, overall.
Still, crime on those living here, or the few that may go out on the nearly empty boulevard at night, does continue, even if the numbers are much lower.
RELATED: LAPD report reveals hate crimes across city spiked 40% since 2016
The woman who posted the images, one of the victims, has not gotten back to FOX 11, so we don’t know the extent of the injuries.
We do expect some kind of press conference from law enforcement and city council, possibly announcing a reward for information leading to the apprehension of those responsible.
If anyone has any additional information regarding this crime, or can identify the suspect in this photo, please contact Hollywood Area Robbery Detective Stogner at (213) 972-2934.
During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1877-527-3247).
Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org.
Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org