Authorities Seek Women Linked To Attack On Photographer In La Cañada

LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE (CBSLA.com) — Authorities seek the public's help in identifying two women in photos taken by a photographer in La Cañada Flintridge just before their male companions allegedly tried to steal his camera at gunpoint.

The incident occurred April 15 around 8:45 p.m. while the victim was in a dirt lot on the 300 block of Saint Katherine Drive to take photographs, according to Crescenta Valley Sheriff's Station officials.

A car pulled into the lot and six people got out of the sedan, including the women, who then approached the photographer and asked to have their pictures taken, authorities said.

When the victim returned to his vehicle, two men "punched the victim and attempted to take (his) camera," according to a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department statement. Authorities say one of the men also struck the victim with a revolver.

The photographer ran back to his vehicle and drove off, and the suspects followed him for a short while in their vehicle and then sped away, officials said. His name was withheld.

The men were both described as Hispanic, about 25, 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds, wearing black jackets.

Their vehicle was described as a silver or gray four-door sedan believed to be a Toyota or Honda.

Anyone with information on the women or any other details was urged to contact Detective Phillips at the Crescenta Valley Sheriff's Station, (818) 248-3464.