VIDEO: Flash mob vandalizes, loots 7-Eleven store following street takeover in Harbor Gateway
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Police Department released new video and sought the public's help with identifying the people seen on video looting and vandalizing a 7-Eleven store following a street takeover in the Harbor Gateway area earlier this week.
RELATED: 7-Eleven looted after alleged street takeover in Harbor Gateway
LAPD officials said that on Aug. 15, a large group of suspects, estimated to be over 100 people at one point, entered the 7-Eleven store on the northwest corner of Figueroa Street and El Segundo Boulevard in Los Angeles. The suspects ransacked the store and stole various merchandise including food, cigarettes, and lottery tickets. One person was seen on video throwing food at the store employee.
LAPD Detective Ryan Moreno said the employee working in the store feared for his life and there was no resistance.
"We really want to prevent this from becoming a new trend," Det. Moreno said during a press conference on Thursday morning.
One of the suspects seen on video was a man wearing a Colorado Rockies hat who was throwing food at the store employee. Detectives have already successfully identified some of the offenders; the video will likely lead them to more... as will the fingerprints left on the countertops.
Those involved in the incident are facing multiple charges including grand theft, looting and vandalism.
"They’re going to be held accountable," Det. Moreno said.
"We really want to stop this from becoming a new trend where they think they can show up and take over a street, freeway or any part of the city where they think they come into a store and take whatever they want. We are here to stay that is not going to happen," Moreno added.
LAPD says if anyone is involved in a street takeover, their car could be impounded for three days. That includes people watching, filming, driving during a takeover.