Suspect Sought in Theft of Woman’s Guide Dog
Police were searching Sunday for a man who attacked a 58-year-old blind woman in an apartment complex elevator and stole her guide dog.
The incident occurred about 11:30 p.m. Saturday at a building in the 15200 block of Sherman Way. Police said the man got into an elevator with the woman and her dog, a black Labrador valued at $4,500.
“When the doors opened to the floor they were headed to, the suspect grabbed the dog’s leash and said, ‘C’mon dog,’ ” said Los Angeles Police Officer Mike Partain. “The victim started to yell for help, at which time the suspect struck her on the head with his hand or fist and then fled with the dog.”
The victim, whose name was not released, called police from her apartment.
Officers searching for the man found the dog about an hour later in one of the complex’s elevators.
Neither the woman nor the dog suffered any visible injuries, Partain said. The man did not take anything else from the woman.
Van Nuys Division robbery detectives are conducting the investigation. Anyone with information can call (818) 756-8495.
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