Los Angeles: In early 2021, the Los Angeles Police Department Robbery-Homicide Division (RHD), Robbery Special Section (RSS), identified an ongoing crime trend of follow home robberies. The suspects target victims in Los Angeles, follow them, and commit the robberies as the victims go into isolated areas such as a parking lot or as they arrive home.
On April 11, 2022, around 12:02 p.m., the victim was at a jewelry store in the Jewelry District of Downtown Los Angeles when she was followed by suspects in a silver colored Dodge Challenger. As the victim approached the intersection of 8th Street and Francisco Street, a suspect exited the Dodge Challenger, approached her vehicle, and with an unknown hard tool, shattered her driver side window. The victim attempted to drive away but was unable due to heavy traffic. When her vehicle stopped, the victim exited her vehicle and ran westbound on 8th Street seeking help. The victim attempted to flee on Francisco Street, but the suspects continued to chase her. She returned to 8th Street and ran westbound. At this time, the suspects continued to follow the victim in their vehicle, accelerating and striking the victim as she fled westbound on 8th Street. Once on the ground two suspects emerged from the Dodge Challenger, one armed with a handgun. Victim immediately removed her watch and threw it on the street. The suspects retrieved the watch and drove away.
The victim sustained minor injuries and was treated at scene by responding paramedics.
Suspect 1 is described as a male, standing 5 feet 11 inches tall, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black sweatpants, white shoes, and a full ski mask. He was armed with a semi-automatic handgun.
Suspect 2 is described as a male wearing a black sweater, light blue jeans, and armed with a handgun.
Robbery-Homicide Division’s Follow Away Task Force responded to the scene and assumed investigative responsibility for the case. The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information or video regarding this incident is urged to contact Detective Moreno and Detective Vargas at (213) 486-6840. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also go to www.lapdonline.org and click on “Anonymous Web Tips.”
