Elderly man robbed at gunpoint in Artesia, suspects get away with $4,000

(FOX 11) - Police say a 78-year-old man was walking out of a store in Artesia toward his car parked in a handicapped spot when he was suddenly confronted by a man and woman who wanted his money.

According to Lt. Eric Linblom at the Lakewood Police Station, the suspects "put a gun to the victim and told him to get in the car."

Authorities say all three went to the Wells Fargo Bank at Gridley and 187th streets, where the man has an account.

The man was then ordered to go inside and withdraw $4,000, Linblom said. He brought the money out and the suspects ran.

Linblom said this situation is unusual. They haven't had anything like this in the five years he's worked at the station, but he says it could happen again to someone else.

If it does -- once separated from the bad guys, the victim should call authorities.

In other words, if you go inside a bank and they're outside, use that opportunity to call for help even if they've threatened your family. And always be aware of your surroundings.

The two suspects were both described as African-American. The man is 5 feet, 10 inches tall, thin build with a mustache, a gray skull cap and a Jamaican accent. The woman is in her mid 30's and was wearing a blue pantsuit.

Anyone with information was asked to call the L.A. County Sheriff's Department at (213) 229-1700

Copyright 2016 FOX 11 Los Angeles: Download our mobile app for breaking news alerts or to watch FOX 11 News | Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Be a citizen journalist for FOX 11 and get paid - download the Fresco News App today.