Serial robbery suspect allegedly chokes out victims in downtown LA

Los Angeles Police Department detectives have arrested a man whom they said was a “serial robbery suspect” who targeted at least seven businesses in the downtown area and on Friday announced that they are seeking any additional victims.

The suspect would enter a retail business, in most cases with one person working alone, and pretend to be interested in purchasing merchandise, detectives said. Once the victims moved to the rear of the stores, the suspect allegedly placed them in a rear neck chokehold and committed the robbery.

The suspect brandished a firearm at a 70-year-old man Jan. 27 on the 900 block of South Santee Street. He allegedly punched a 72-year-old man Feb. 20 at a business on the 1100 block of South Los Angeles Street, then threw the victim on the ground, stopped on his chest and strangled him until he lost consciousness before taking the victim’s property and cash register.

Similar crimes occurred March 7 on the 1500 block of South Los Angeles Street and March 9 back on the 1100 block of South Los Angeles Street. Detectives said they learned of three additional robbery investigations fitting the description of the others.

About 2:15 p.m. on March 12, detectives arrested 20-year-old Richard Nerve McDowell III, and he was booked into the LAPD jail, where he remained on $250,000 bail, according to the sheriff’s online inmate information.

Investigators believe there may be additional victims due to the serial nature of the robberies, police said.

Police have circulated a booking photo of McDowell, who is described as Black, 6 feet 3 inches tall, about 180 pounds, with brown eyes.

Anyone with information was asked to call Detective Steve Garcia at 213-996-1867 or email 33140@lapd.online. Anonymous tips can be left at Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or www.lacrimestoppers.org.