Las Vegas police: Elderly targeted in string of violent crimes
A recent series of violent robberies largely targeting the elderly have taken place throughout the Las Vegas Valley, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.
Since July 4, 10 robberies similar in circumstance have been reported to police, with the victims ranging in age from 40 to 87.
“We’re fearful that somebody is going to lose their life or get seriously injured,” said Lt. William Scott of the Metropolitan Police Department Robbery Division on Thursday.
Police say the suspects are singling out older people at their homes as they are getting out of their vehicles. Many of the victims are forced to the ground by one or two suspects and then robbed of any money or belongings they may have.
“This is broad daylight. These guys are pretty brazen,” Scott said.
According to police, at least one victim was shot at and nearly struck.
A 79-year-old man who was attacked on Wednesday night was forced into the rocks in his front yard by two suspects, causing a severe gash to his leg.
Police say that multiple different suspect groups of one to two black males between the ages of 25 and 35 have been reported in the robberies. Scott noted that the robberies have occurred across the valley.
Scott said that these suspects view their older victims as “easy targets,” and often pick them in a parking lot before following them home to rob them.
Police said that people can’t be too cautious about their safety. If you feel like you are being followed, don’t go directly home, police said. Instead, pull over somewhere to see if the person or car following you does the same or continues past.
“I know there’s somebody out there that knows who these individuals are,” Scott said. “We’re asking for their assistance with identifying and arresting these individuals.”
Anyone with information regarding these crimes are urged to call Metropolitan Police Department Robbery Section at 702-828-3591 or Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555.
Contact reporter Colton Lochhead at clochhead@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-4638. Follow him on Twitter @clochhead44.
