LAPD Seeks 2 Men in Armed Robbery of North Hollywood Cash Advance Store

Two men walked into an Advance America store at 5160 Vineland Ave. in North Hollywood on Monday and robbed the business at gunpoint around 10 a.m. before fleeing on foot, according to the Los Angeles Police Department North Hollywood Division.

Robbery detectives are seeking two black males, both dressed in dark clothing, black gloves and sunglasses, with one carrying a black backpack.

Lt. Alan Hamilton said detectives had not yet determined how much cash was stolen from the business, which provides payday advances, but that it was not a high amount.

"They ran out the door, went out onto the street down Vineland, then turned eastbound onto Hartsook (Street), likely into a waiting vehicle, but no vehicle was seen," Hamilton said.

The Advance America is located in a busy strip mall on the corner of Magnolia Boulevard and Vineland, which includes a Ralph's grocery store, a Carl's Jr., a Radio Shack and numerous other stores.

Officers detained and handcuffed a man in the parking lot who fit the description of the suspects but released him. Video surveillance was captured of the men during the robbery but it is not yet in a releasable format.

Hamilton said that the manner in which the robbery was pulled off was very professional.

"They may be involved in other robberies. The way it happened, this was not their first time out of the gate," Hamilton added.

Video surveillance of the robbery is expected to be available on Tuesday or Wednesday.