4 Minors Arrested In Connection To String Of Long Beach Robberies

LONG BEACH, CA — Long Beach police arrested four minors this week in connection to a series of nine robberies that occurred over the course of about two months in North Long Beach, authorities announced Tuesday.

Police determined the nine robberies were connected because the circumstances in each incident and the suspect descriptions were similar.

"In these incidents, a group of suspects would approach the victim, sometimes exiting a vehicle and sometimes on foot. In some incidents, the suspect(s) were armed. The suspects would then rob the victim of their belongings, typically jewelry, before fleeing the area," LBPD said in a statement.

The recorded incidents took place at the following times and locations:

• July 17 around 2:50 p.m. near Orange Avenue and 72nd Street
• Aug. 30 around 2:00 p.m. near Atlantic Avenue and Harding Street
• Aug. 30 around 2:55 p.m. near the 600 block of East Artesia Boulevard
• Aug. 31 around 4:00 p.m. near Myrtle Avenue and 65th Street
• Aug. 31 around 4:30 p.m. in the 6400 block of Atlantic Avenue
• Sept. 1 around 2:00 p.m. near Harding Street and California Avenue
• Sept. 1 around 3:00 p.m. near Houghton Park
• Sept. 1 around 2:50 p.m. near Atlantic Avenue and Harding Street
• Sept. 7 around 1:10 a.m. near the 600 block of East Artesia Boulevard

Through investigation, detectives identified two 15-year-old boys and two 16-year-old boys as suspects in connection to the robberies. The boys were booked on suspicion of multiple robbery charges as well as a mix of carjacking, stolen vehicles and possession of firearms.

During the investigation, detectives said the group would typically steal a vehicle and use it during the robberies. Multiple vehicle and residential search warrants were served in relation to the investigation, which resulted in the recovery of firearms and stolen cars.

“It’s disheartening that juveniles are perpetuating crime in our community and victimizing others," said Chief of Police Wally Hebeish. "Our department has and will, continue working with all of our partners to disrupt this cycle of violence.”

All four boys were transported to the Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall.

Anyone who may have additional information regarding these recent robberies was urged to contact the robbery detail at 562-570-7464. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 800-222-8477 or online at LACrimeStoppers.org.