Man, Boy Suspected In LA Restaurant Attempted Armed Robbery

LOS ANGELES, CA — A 22-year-old man on parole and 17-year-old boy suspected of using what police called an assault rifle type of weapon in an attempted robbery at a Mid-City restaurant were in custody Thursday.

Officers responded to the 1800 block of South La Brea Avenue, between Washington and Venice boulevards, at around 1 p.m. Sunday to a report about an assault with a deadly weapon, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

A preliminary investigation revealed to detectives through video surveillance that two suspects entered an undisclosed restaurant and approached the victim while he was waiting to order food with a group of men, police said.

One suspect attempted to remove a necklace from the victim, prompting a struggle between a suspect and the victim with his friends intervening. That's when the second suspect produced an assault-style rifle from his waistband and pointed it at the victim, police said.

Both suspects, the victim and his friends had left the location before officers arrived.

Detectives followed further leads and identified the suspects, with 22- year-old Dean Mckoy and his 17-year-old accomplice arrested Tuesday, police said. The Los Angeles residents were both booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, police said.

The 17-year-old's name was not released because of his age.

Bail for Mckoy was set at $50,000. He was placed on a parole hold.

Anyone with information regarding this crime was urged to contact LAPD Wilshire Division Detective David Braun at 213-922-8269. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477. During non- business hours or weekends, calls shall be made to 877-527-3247.

City News Service