Investigators are asking the public for help identifying more than two dozen people suspected of burglarizing an AutoZone in East Los Angeles during two consecutive nights of street takeovers.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is circulating photos of 27 people seen earlier this month at the auto supply business at Atlantic and Olympic boulevards.
The first incident took place on Aug. 8 at around 2:22 a.m., when a suspect wearing a hoodie with a skull and the words “Wild One” shattered AutoZone’s glass doors, according to one of the Sheriff‘s bulletins. Ten additional suspects then entered the store, taking part in a “coordinated, mob-like burglary,” the bulletin said.
The same thing happened the following night at around 3:30 a.m. In a second bulletin, investigators released photos of 16 suspects from that incident, saying they may have taken part in the previous day’s burglary as well.
Video shot by OnScene TV on August 9 showed people rushing in and out of the store, some carrying merchandise, as roaring engines and squealing tires are heard in the background. In that footage, shattered glass, empty shelves, cracked computer screens and scattered debris can be seen in the wake of the burglary.
AutoZone sustained significant losses on both days, authorities said. The store’s electrical system was destroyed, according to OnScene TV.
At least two of the suspects in the Sheriff’s photos can be seen holding up their phones. A third wore a “Scream” mask that featured the colors of the American flag.
The department has asked members of the public who have information on the incident to contact East Los Angeles Detective Luu or the on-duty Watch Commander at (323) 264-4151.
Information can also be provided anonymously by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477).
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