Authorities sought the public’s assistance Tuesday in locating three masked suspects in a street takeover in East Los Angeles that was interrupted by the California Highway Patrol.
Deputies assigned to the East Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station responded to the area of Downey Road and Olympic Boulevard at approximately 11:15 p.m. Sunday, regarding an ongoing street takeover involving approximately 100 vehicles, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Deputies, along with California Highway Patrol officers, worked together to disperse the vehicles positioned westbound on Olympic Boulevard, sheriff’s officials said.
Shortly after the dispersal, deputies learned that three masked male suspects had entered a restaurant in the 4200 block of Olympic Boulevard through a drive-thru window during the street takeover.
“One suspect simulated possessing a firearm in his waistband, which caused the employees to fear for their safety and flee into a locked office,” the sheriff’s department said in a statement.
The suspects then took two cash registers containing an unspecified amount of cash before fleeing in an unknown direction.
No employees were injured during the robbery, and deputies have not identified any suspects.
On Saturday, investigators assigned to the Detective Division Street Racing Task Force conducted an operation targeting illegal modified vehicles at multiple locations, including Compton, Carson, Lakewood, East Los Angeles and Lynwood, where street racing and street takeover activities frequently occur, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
During the operation, deputies issued 19 citations for violations involving illegal vehicle modifications, missing license plates and unregistered vehicles.
Six people were arrested on suspicion of reckless driving, speeding, driving with a suspended license, and evading law enforcement.
Four vehicles were impounded for 30 days in connection with reckless driving, speeding, and driving with a suspended license.
According to sheriff’s officials, organizers who advertise or promote events related to street takeovers may face criminal charges.
Anyone with information regarding the robbery or street takeovers was urged to call the East Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station at 323-264-4151. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.