By Ricardo Roura
Feb 11, 2024, 11:46 PM EST
Four Hispanics were arrested as part of a group of nine suspects during a retail store robbery raid in a popular shopping center in downtown Los Angeles.
Carlos Domínguez, 33 years old; Luis Amaya, 39 years old; José Cano, 43, and Jesse Cordero, 47, were arrested during the operation along with five other suspects.
The other people arrested were Emilia Micoi, 19 years old; Ana María Gandac, 19 years old; Richard Green, 34; Justin Carter, 28, and an unidentified minor.
On Wednesday, February 7, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) carried out a lightning operation in the FIGat7th shopping center, located in the 700 block of South Figueroa Street, in the center of the city of Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles police explained that a lightning operation involves law enforcement “strategically saturating an area with personnel and resources to address a specific problem“.
Keep reading: Two Hispanics are arrested on suspicion of retail robbery in Glendale
Authorities said the nine people were arrested as suspects in retail theft.
Among the items that were stolen from retail stores there was a wide variety of designer perfumescolognes, makeup from Sephora, sports clothing, sports shoes and a backpack, among other products.
Police said one of the suspects was also found a security alarm tag remover.
Keep reading: Hundreds of criminal cases opened against thieves in Los Angeles
According to the police, the FIGat7th shopping center is a site where cases of theft are constantly reportedresulting in a daily loss of merchandise worth thousands of dollars.
Retail stores that have locations in the mall include Nordstrom Rack, Zara, Sephora, H&MMAC Cosmetics, Sunglass Hut, Victoria’s Secret, Target, T-Mobile and Lenscrafters, among others.
Authorities said the nine suspects were taken into custody under charges of larceny, grand larceny and commercial theft.
Keep reading: California governor recalled how an employee blamed him for unpunished thefts in retail stores
The incidents were reported to be under an ongoing investigation.
If anyone has information about similar crimes, they can contact LAPD Burgary Theft Detectives at 213-833-3750, or call the Los Angeles Police Department at 1-877-527-3247.
To file a report anonymously, you can contact LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or on their website at this link.
Keep reading:
· Violence and insecurity against businesses in Los Angeles is worrying
· Massive robberies could have their days numbered
· Bill proposes tougher penalties for those guilty of retail theft in California