Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department officials are seeking the public's assistance in identifying 41 individuals believed to be responsible for two coordinated mob-style burglaries at an East Los Angeles AutoZone store. The incidents occurred less than 24 hours apart, resulting in significant loss and damage.
The first burglary took place around 2:22 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, when one suspect allegedly smashed the store's glass entrance doors and approximately 10 others entered the premises, according to investigators. This event occurred amidst street takeovers near Olympic and Atlantic boulevards.
Less than 24 hours later, around 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, August 9, a separate group of suspects forced their way into the same AutoZone store. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department released images of 14 additional suspects in connection with this second incident, expanding their search. Sheriff's officials stated that spectators from the initial street takeover were believed to have participated in the first AutoZone ransacking.
Video footage from the second incident shows looters, many with their faces covered, breaking into the already damaged store and leaving with merchandise. Reports indicate that at least $50,000 in goods and three cash registers were stolen. Surveillance images have been released by the sheriff's department in an effort to identify the suspects involved in both break-ins.
The criminal activity unfolded alongside street takeovers, with reports indicating that over 100 vehicles participated in the event near the store on Sunday night. Some individuals allegedly broke away from the crowd and targeted the AutoZone, which had already been boarded up following the initial looting. Break-ins at other AutoZone locations in Watts, Downey, and Long Beach were also reported that weekend amid similar street takeover activities across the Los Angeles area.