Overview
- The burglary, which occurred early Sunday, involved at least 20 people entering the Superior Grocers near Manchester Avenue and San Pedro Street while employees fled to the second floor and barricaded themselves.
- LAPD officers responded around 4:30 a.m., took one person into custody, and reported no injuries while saying investigators do not yet know how much merchandise was stolen.
- The break-in is the latest in a string of smash-and-grab incidents tied to illegal late-night street takeovers that have hit multiple businesses including several AutoZone locations and a Boyle Heights pharmacy.
- County and city agencies have created a multiagency task force and increased patrols, and investigators are reviewing surveillance and cellphone footage to identify participants and recover vehicles used in the events.
- Large groups blocking intersections during takeovers make witness ID and evidence collection difficult, which has driven some small businesses to board up storefronts or seek emergency aid and could prompt more vehicle impounds and targeted enforcement.