Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department officials are seeking 16 suspects in connection with two separate burglaries at an AutoZone store in East Los Angeles that occurred within a 24-hour span in early August. The incidents are believed to be linked to street takeover events that took place in the vicinity.
The first burglary began around 2:22 a.m. on Aug. 8, when one individual allegedly smashed the store's glass entrance doors and approximately 10 others entered the premises. Investigators described this event as a "coordinated, mob-like burglary." Less than 24 hours later, around 3:30 a.m. on Aug. 9, a separate group of suspects allegedly forced their way into the same store, causing further damage and losses.
Authorities released images of the 16 suspects and appealed for public assistance in identifying them. Detectives had already been seeking 11 individuals believed to be involved in the initial break-in before expanding the search.
Video footage captured a mob entering the AutoZone, which had been boarded up after the first incident. The ransacked store showed shattered glass, scattered auto parts, and missing merchandise. It is estimated that at least $50,000 in merchandise and three cash registers were stolen.
The East Los Angeles AutoZone incidents were part of a larger series of disruptive events that weekend. Break-ins were also reported at AutoZone locations in Watts, Downey, and Long Beach. These events coincided with street takeover activities across the Los Angeles area, including two separate incidents that escalated into fires and looting in East Los Angeles and the Gramercy Park neighborhood.
During the second street takeover near the targeted AutoZone, over 100 vehicles reportedly participated. Some attendees are alleged to have broken away from the takeover to loot the store.