Robber Arrested Near Olvera Street
Los Angeles. An LAPD sergeant arrested Mason Wells yesterday evening February 1st, after witnesses pointed out the 30-year-old suspect, telling police he had just beaten and robbed a man at the bus stop on Main Street and Cesar Chavez Boulevard.
According to several witnesses, Wells was loitering and begging for money at the bus stop. The suspect reportedly then approached a 53-year-old man getting off a bus and when the man declined to give him any money, Wells attacked him, punching him in the face and knocking him unconscious, bleeding from the nose and mouth.
“Wells then rifled through the man’s pockets without regard for all the people watching,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Central Detective Division. “Here’s an example of a predator posing as a beggar, in essence, hiding in plain sight at a bus stop where the victims come to him.”
The victim was taken to the hospital where doctors said he had suffered a concussion and did not immediately remember what had happened to him. “Thankfully, we have several good witnesses who saw the whole thing and will testify against Wells,” Lt. Vernon explained.
Wells was booked at the LAPD Metropolitan Jail with his bail set at $50,000.
“People who beg pose a difficult challenge for the police,” Lt Vernon said. “On the one hand, people are sympathetic to them. Some give money, others don’t, but most people think they should be left alone. Some show aggression to intimidate people into giving them money, which borders on a crime. Then we get the cases like Wells who clearly cross the line into robbery. Trouble is, you never know when a beggar will cross this line and police can't arrest someone merely for begging.”
The LAPD accepts tips on crime. Tipsters can remain anonymous by calling 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.
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