Authorities are investigating a brazen ambush-style robbery of a man in West Hollywood that took place on Friday.
The L.A. County Sheriff’s Department confirmed to KTLA that the incident took place around 5:40 p.m. in the 1100 block of Hacienda Place.
“There were four suspects – one was driving the vehicle and three exited the vehicle and robbed a male of property he had,” LASD said. “Two suspects had a firearm, one suspect had a crowbar…multiple items were taken from the victim.”
The exact nature of the property, and its value, were not disclosed by law enforcement.
According to the sheriff’s department, the vehicle – described as a sedan – sped away from the scene after the incident, which thankfully left the victim uninjured.
The suspects were believed to not have been following the man; rather, it appears they just saw him and decided to rob him.
Video obtained by the WeHo Times and shared with KTLA shows the victim walking from the street to the sidewalk in front of a parked car when the sedan approaches and three men wearing all black exit and ambush him. The majority of the incident takes place off camera; however, two people were across the street when it happened.
They were seen running towards an apartment building as the robbery transpired. A black SUV also drove by as the suspects were getting back in their car but it didn’t appear to stop.
After the suspects drove off, the victim got back up and began walking towards what appeared to be his intended destination. He can be seen talking to someone — presumably about the robbery.
Per the WeHo Times, one of their reporters “narrowly missed” being targeted by the group. The reporter, Mike Pingel, said he saw the victim being ambushed and forced to the ground and “thought it was an ICE raid.”
Pingel added that the group took jewelry, including a watch, wedding ring and a bracelet, from the man. He further elaborated that during the violent incident, one of the suspects repeatedly asked him if he had any more possessions.
A neighbor who spoke with KTLA Saturday morning said that he “had no idea” the incident occurred until hours later.
“I just saw the videotape, and it was really surprising,” the neighbor, D.H. Goodall, said. “I know it’s getting a little more dangerous here, but I thought this area was one of the safer neighborhoods.”
“I will be cautious when walking around 5 or 6 p.m. here,” he added.
As of Saturday morning, there were no reports of anyone being taken into custody in connection with the robbery.
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