Second suspect arrested in Palmdale armed robbery

PALMDALE – Authorities have captured the second suspect accused of robbing an east Palmdale convenience store at gunpoint last month.

Larry Kirkwood was arrested at 5:45 p.m. Monday, said Palmdale Community Relations Deputy Robbie Royster.

There was a $150,000 felony warrant out for Kirkwood’s arrest for armed robbery, Royster said.

The 20-year-old is one of two men accused of robbed Emily’s Store, at 412 East Palmdale Blvd., on Thursday, June 28.

Around 11:45 a.m., the men entered the store, stuck a gun in the clerk’s chest, ordered her to open the register, and then stole the money, sheriff’s officials said.

The thieves were caught on the store’s surveillance camera, and the images were released to the media the same day. The next day, detectives identified Kirkwood as one of the suspects and released a previous booking photo of Kirkwood to the media.

The second suspect, 20-year-old Asian Thomas, was identified and arrested during a raid in Palmdale on July 5. Armed with multiple search warrants, The Partners Against Crime Unit and the Operation Safe Streets Gang Unit conducted a joint operation targeting several Palmdale locations.

Thomas was arrested in the 38500 Block of Larkin Avenue on robbery and multiple related charges and jailed on $100,000 bail.

During the raid, authorities also recovered the gun that was likely used in the Emily’s Convenience Store robbery, according to Palmdale Station Lieutenant Cory Kennedy.

Thomas refused to cooperate with authorities, so Kirkwood remained on the run. But special teams continued to track Kirkwood, Royster said.

“They had a special team that was on him, and they located him and took him into custody at the 38700 Block of Larkin Avenue,” Royster said.

Kirkwood is being charged with robbery and burglary and may face more charges, Royster said.

“We’re looking at him for some additional robberies, as well,” Royster added.

Kirkwood remains jailed on $150,000 bail.

–