A 46-year-old man was arrested for allegedly trying to rob a person at gunpoint at automatic teller machine in the Mid-Wilshire area, police said Wednesday.
Javier Araiza Jr. was arrested Tuesday in connection with the attempted armed robbery, which occurred around 8:15 a.m. Friday in the 2900 block of Olympic Boulevard, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Police said Araiza allegedly approached an “elderly” victim at an ATM and placed a gun in the victim’s back while demanding money. He then allegedly tried to reach into the victim’s pockets, prompting a struggle during which the suspect assumed a “shooting stance” and pointed a handgun at the victim, police said.
“The victim retreated for fear of being shot, and the suspect entered a vehicle and fled from the location,” police said.
Video of the attempted robbery led detectives to Araiza, who was arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery police said. He was being held in lieu of $175,000 bail, according to jail records.
Investigators determined that Araiza may have been involved in additional crimes, and they asked anyone who may have been victimized to come forward.
Anyone with information was urged to call the LAPD Olympic Division Robbery Detectives at 213-382-9460. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477. During non-business hours or weekends, calls shall be directed to 877-527-3247.