Westfield Culver City was once a dangerous place to shop. Formerly known as the Fox Hills Mall, it appeared in movies featuring gang members. The transit center for buses was located in front of the site where May Company once stood. Patrons feared visiting the restroom. Crime was rampant.
All that changed with the renovation of the shopping center, increased security and a more upscale image and clientele helped dropped the crime rate. Yet on November 16 shortly after noon a 90 year old man who was seated in the food court. The suspect, Thomas Bernoudy, allegedly walked up to the victim, ripped gold chains from his neck and threw him to the ground.
While the victim was on the ground Bernoudy allegedly took his wallet and fled the scene. The victim was transported to the hospital and treated for minor injuries. The suspect was captured on security cameras and the photo was released via the various media outlets.
As a result of the media coverage the Culver City Police Department received an outpouring of citizen concern over this heinous crime and number of leads.
Culver City Police Detectives followed up on all the leads, which resulted in the identification of Los Angeles resident Bernoudy, as the suspect in the crime. Bernoudy was also identified as a documented gang member.
On December 22 detectives from the Culver City Police Department established surveillance near the suspect's home in Los Angeles, the detectives located Bernoudy and he was taken into custody at a nearby gas station without incident.
On Tuesday December 27 the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office filed one count of robbery and one count of elder abuse on Bernoudy.
Bernoudy is being held on $75,000 bail.
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