Full Notification

On Wednesday, July 24th, at approximately 9:15am, a robbery occurred in the 1600 Block of East Avenue R-3, in the City of Palmdale. The victim, a 64 year old male Hispanic, was approached by 18 year-old Palmdale resident Terrill Keith Clem, while standing in his driveway preparing to take his wife to the doctor. The victim was holding his wife’s purse when Clem grabbed the purse from his hands and took off running. The victim followed Clem a short distance but lost him. The victim called the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station and deputies responded immediately. After a thorough search of the area, Clem was found hiding in the bushes approximately one block away from where the incident occurred. The victim’s purse and contents were recovered.

Earlier in the week, on Monday, July 22nd, at approximately 10:00am, another robbery had been reported. The victim, a 93 year-old white male, was washing his truck in his driveway in the 37700 Block of Rudall Avenue, when he was approached by two suspects. He was subsequently assaulted by the suspects and his wallet was taken. He suffered a cut to his chin as well as injuries to his rib area.

During the investigation of the July 24th robbery, it appeared suspect Clem matched the description of one of the suspects in the robbery of the 93 year-old victim. During an interrogation, Clem confessed to being involved in both robberies. The second suspect is still at large in that case.

Currently detectives are looking at the possibility this suspect may be involved in other robberies. It appeared the robberies target older victims. The outstanding suspect in the first robbery was described as a male black between the ages of 16-18.

Anyone with information on this suspect is encouraged to call Lieutenant C. Kennedy of Palmdale Station at 661-272-2506.

Terrill Clem was transported and booked at the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station. Clem was booked on charges of Robbery with a bail amount of $100,000. Clem is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday, July 26th at the Antelope Valley Courthouse.

Anyone can report anonymously about any crime or wanted suspects through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-Tips or email lacrimestoppers.org.

Prepared By Deputy Jodi Wolfe