A family-owned business in Bellflower, California, was left in ruins early Saturday morning when dozens of individuals ransacked A-Z Market as part of a nearby street takeover. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reported that approximately 100 to 150 vehicles were blocking streets and intersections when the incident occurred around 3:30 a.m.
Deputies responded to a report of a break-in at the store and found a damaged front window and security gate. Surveillance footage revealed three suspects using power tools to gain entry before approximately 40 to 60 other individuals stormed the business. In just two minutes, the looters stripped shelves and scattered merchandise, including candy and food products.
The combined value of the stolen inventory and property damage is estimated at nearly $30,000, according to the Sheriff's Department. The owners expressed their devastation, with one stating, “I just can’t get the image out of my head, 50 people in my business, ransacking the place, destroying the business, taking everything that I’ve worked so hard for.” The family, who had previously installed security measures, had not anticipated such a large-scale attack.
No suspects have been taken into custody, and authorities are actively searching for those responsible. The suspects reportedly fled into the crowd of the street takeover, making immediate identification difficult. While deputies issued multiple citations related to the street takeover itself, no direct link between those cited and the looting of A-Z Market has been established.
This incident is part of a recent wave of smash-and-grab burglaries and ransackings linked to street takeover activities across Los Angeles County. Similar events have occurred at AutoZone locations in South Los Angeles, East Los Angeles, Watts, Downey, and Long Beach in recent weeks, leading authorities to warn about the escalation of criminal activity associated with these takeovers.
A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated by Nathan Abdullatif to help the family repair the damage and replace stolen merchandise. The fundraiser aims to raise $9,000, with just over $1,000 collected as of Tuesday. The family described A-Z Market as their livelihood and a cornerstone of the local community, emphasizing the profound impact of the attack.
Anyone with information regarding the burglary is encouraged to contact Lakewood Station detectives at (562) 623-3500 or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).