Investigators with the Los Angeles Police Department are actively seeking potential victims in a series of downtown robberies, after the arrest of a suspect named in violent crimes against solitary, elderly workers in retail establishments, according to CBS Los Angeles. The suspect, identified as 20-year-old Richard Nerve McDowell III, engaged in a string of robberies over three months, and while authorities have made an arrest, there's a belief that more victims could be out there.
The pattern emerged on January 27 in the 900 block of South Santee Street, when McDowell allegedly forced a 70-year-old store employee into a closet, executed a choke hold, brandished a gun, and absconded with money, the LAPD shared details that also included violent attacks on other elderly victims, the incidents painted a picture of a methodical aggressor who cased victims before ensnaring them in acts of theft and brutality. On February 20, an assault went further when McDowell purportedly punched and choked a 72-year-old until they lost consciousness, and several days later, a 49-year-old was subjected to a similar attack that ended with their head being smashed on a table and the floor, according to the LAPD press release.
The most recent known incident, which occurred on March 9, involved a 51-year-old victim; this time McDowell is accused of destroying a cash register and assaulting the victim before fleeing with their belongings, as per the LAPD.
Now with McDowell in custody, his bail set at $250,000, detectives are broadening their search for other possible individuals who might have crossed paths with the accused during his crime spree. Detectives' request for any additional information that may assist the ongoing investigation: victims or those with relevant knowledge are encouraged to contact Detective Steve Garcia at (213) 996-1867 or via email at [email protected], tipsters preferring anonymity can reach out to the LA Regional Crime Stoppers.
