Overview
- The AutoZone at 1131 Atlantic Boulevard in East Los Angeles was broken into during a street takeover on Saturday and was ransacked again during a second takeover on Sunday.
- Law enforcement says at least three AutoZone locations in East and South Los Angeles were targeted over the weekend, including a site in Watts where video shows windows smashed and people leaving with merchandise.
- Officials reported roughly 100 vehicles took part in one of the early-morning takeovers, and police and sheriff's deputies dispersed crowds and found a vehicle burning in the Gramercy Park area.
- No arrests had been reported in the burglaries tied to the takeovers as of the latest updates, and investigators are increasing patrols while reviewing store surveillance and witness cellphone video.
- Business owners and residents say the repeat attacks have left stores boarded and workers fearful, and authorities warn this pattern of illegal street takeovers can quickly create opportunities for looting and repeated targeting of local shops.