An AutoZone store in East Los Angeles was looted twice within a 24-hour period as part of large street takeover events that caused chaos and destruction over the weekend. The incidents occurred at the intersection of Olympic Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue, where more than 100 vehicles converged.
On Saturday, around 2:30 a.m., the store's windows were smashed and merchandise was ransacked, leaving aisles strewn with looted goods. The location was targeted again around 3 a.m. Sunday by a group of individuals, many with their faces covered, who broke into the already damaged store and took additional merchandise.
The store manager told ABC7 that the AutoZone will remain closed for an estimated two to three days to allow for repairs to damaged wiring and electrical systems. During this closure, employees will not receive pay.
Social media personality Kevin Dalton shared video of the incidents, describing the perpetrators as "felonious hooligans" who hit the same store twice within a 24-hour span. Dalton commented on the situation with a reference to California Governor Gavin Newsom's statements on crime statistics.
These events were not isolated to East Los Angeles. Another large street takeover took place early Saturday morning at Western Avenue and Century Boulevard in the Gramercy Park neighborhood of South Los Angeles. According to LAPD Officer Rosario Cervantes, police responding to that incident found a large crowd, fireworks, and a vehicle burning in the roadway.
No arrests were made and no injuries were reported in connection with either the East Los Angeles or South Los Angeles incidents.