WEST HOLLYWOOD—Over $30,000 worth of items was taken during an armed robbery in West Hollywood on Monday, July 31, authorities said.
The incident transpired at approximately 10:15 p.m. outside Urth Caffe in the 8500 block of Melrose Avenue. Two suspects armed with handguns reportedly approached two men who were standing on the sidewalk by the coffee shop, officials with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood Station said in a statement.
The first suspect reportedly pointed a handgun at one of the victims and demanded that he turn over his Audemars Piguet wristwatch, estimated to cost about $30,000. The victim handed his watch to the suspect, fearing for his safety. The second suspect, who had a handgun in his waistband, reportedly demanded the other victim’s wristwatch. The victim pushed the suspect away, at which point both suspects fled north on Westmount Drive.
Ten minutes later, multiple witnesses called 911 to report two suspicious men heading into an area under construction, near Willoughby and Croft. Los Angeles Sheriff’s deputies and officers from the Beverly Hills Police Department set up a perimeter around the area. The suspects were believed to have fled the scene, officials indicated.
Both suspects were described as African-American males. The first suspect is believed to be between the ages of 18 and 25 years old and approximately 5 feet and 6 inches tall, with a thin build. He was last seen wearing dark clothing. The second suspect was wearing a black hooded sweater and a red baseball hat.
No injuries were reported during the robbery. No further information has been released. The investigation is active and ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Detective Boagni at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s West Hollywood Station at (310) 358-4041. Those who prefer to provide information anonymously may call “Crime Stoppers” at (800) 222-TIPS (8477), download the “P3 Tips” mobile app, or visit www.lacrimestoppers.org.
