LOS ANGELES — Authorities have identified the man who was found dead early Wednesday morning on a downtown Los Angeles sidewalk. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office confirmed the victim as 46-year-old Cedrick Armstrong. The discovery was made near the intersection of Spring Street and Sixth Street, a busy area in the heart of the city.
Around 3:48 a.m., officers from the LAPD’s Central Division responded to a 911 call reporting a man lying on the sidewalk. When they arrived, they found Armstrong with visible injuries, including cuts to his neck. Emergency crews from the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene and pronounced him dead shortly after. The nature of his injuries has raised suspicions of foul play, but an official cause of death is still pending further medical examination.
According to police, a witness at the scene reported seeing someone possibly stealing items from Armstrong’s body before fleeing on foot. This report has led investigators to believe that the incident may have involved a robbery or assault. Officers quickly secured the area, set up a crime scene, and began searching for additional witnesses and evidence to determine what happened in the hours leading up to Armstrong’s death.
Police have not yet released any description of the suspect, and no arrests have been made. Investigators are working to collect surveillance footage from nearby buildings and businesses to identify any suspicious activity. At this point, it remains unclear whether Armstrong knew the suspect or if the crime was a random act. The LAPD has also not confirmed if any weapons were recovered at the scene.
The death of Cedrick Armstrong has sparked renewed concerns about public safety in downtown Los Angeles, particularly in areas where homelessness, mental health issues, and street crime often intersect. Local residents and business owners say they are increasingly worried about the rise in violent incidents during late-night and early-morning hours. Some have called on city officials to increase patrols and improve lighting in the area to deter crime.
As the investigation continues, police are urging anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident to come forward. Those with information can contact the LAPD’s Central Division or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS or online. Investigators hope public cooperation will lead to answers and justice for Armstrong’s grieving loved ones.