An 18-year-old college student was the victim of a violent robbery and assault inside a 7-Eleven store in Hollywood early Sunday morning. The incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. at the store located at 6702 Hollywood Boulevard.
According to reports, the student, Destiny Valderrama, a second-year student at Cal State University, Dominguez Hills, had been at a quinceañera prior to the attack. She entered the store with two friends to purchase snacks when two suspects, a male and a female, allegedly ambushed her.
Surveillance footage shows a female suspect pulling Valderrama to the ground by her hair. A male suspect then joined the assault, repeatedly slamming Valderrama's head against the floor until she lost consciousness. Valderrama told reporters that her friends were also attacked and dragged when they attempted to help her.
"My friends tried helping by intervening, and they ended up getting dropped to the floor and dragged as well," Valderrama stated. "I couldn’t even stand up to walk properly out of fear, and I continuously begged the 7/11 workers for help and to call the cops."
Valderrama claims that the store employees did not assist and instead told the group to leave. She has since filed a police report with the Los Angeles Police Department, which confirmed an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The suspects reportedly targeted Valderrama for her gold chain. She sustained multiple bruises to her neck and arm as a result of the attack. The LAPD has not yet apprehended the suspects, and Valderrama expressed hope for their swift capture.
This incident follows a similar event last month where a group of teenagers reportedly stormed and looted a 7-Eleven in Oakland, causing significant damage to the store.