“The video surveillance in this case is first rate,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Mission Detective Division. “Anyone who knows these guys, especially the guy in the hoodie, should be able to recognize them.”
Three Black men used cinder blocks to smash through the roof of the liquor store just after 4 a.m. on August 1, 2012. Once inside, the three were captured on video, jumping a counter. Each wore gloves, jeans and hoodies.
“Clearly these guys are experienced burglars, but gloves or not, one always leaves something of one self behind at any crime scene,” Lt. Vernon explained. “The key for police is finding that evidence and making something of it.”
In this case, one burglar, seen chewing on his hoodie, inexplicably left that jacket behind. “Now we know exactly where to sample for DNA on the hoodie.”
If that burglar has been arrested for a felony before, his DNA may be on file to match with the hoodie sample. A DNA analysis will take some time, so police hope someone might step up sooner and tell detectives who these guys are.
“This store owner did a really good thing too,” Lt. Vernon added. “He used high-quality video and he placed it at an angle to capture suspects’ faces. He also kept his register till open so the suspects didn’t have to break it open.” Police recommend that stores leave tills open and empty when the business is closed.
All three suspects were medium height and weight, and between 17 and 25 years old. The liquor store is located at 13040 Glenoaks Boulevard in Pacoima.
Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Detective Tim Kohl, Mission Burglary Unit, at (818) 838-9977. Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.
