Current:Home > ScamsParents turn in children after police release photos from flash mob robberies, LAPD says -VisionFunds
Parents turn in children after police release photos from flash mob robberies, LAPD says
View
Date:2025-04-13 05:43:50
California parents turned their children in after the Los Angeles Police Department asked for the public’s help finding juveniles who partook in multiple flash mob robberies at 7-Eleven stores and fled on bicycles.
An officer from the LAPD confirmed to USA TODAY that some of the people involved were turned in by their parents.
Since July, the group of juveniles have targeted 14 stores, police said in a news release on Sept. 25. Calling them “flash robberies,” authorities said 20 to 40 suspects were involved and most often, they fled on bicycles.
The 14 robberies ranged from mid-July to September and some stores were hit more than once. Stores were typically close to each other in Rampart, Hollywood, Wilshire and West LA and most of the robberies happened on Friday evenings, authorities said.
Police say the group committed the 14 robberies on the following days: July 12, July 19, Aug. 2, Aug. 9, Aug. 16, and Sept. 20.
Parents turning children in:Father turns in 10-year-old son after he allegedly threatened to 'shoot up' Florida school
Teens rode bikes to store robberies, police say
Authorities said the suspects showed up to the stores on bicycles during the evenings, usually Fridays, then walked in, took items, damaged property, and left without paying for anything.
“The suspects are described as youthful males, possibly teens varying in ethnicity and physical descriptors,” police wrote on Sept. 25.
Witnesses said the suspects pushed them, although no one reported injuries, police said.
“Several witnesses continue to fear for their safety after such aggressive and callous criminal behavior,” police added.
Police released more than 100 images of suspects to get tips
LAPD released more than 100 photos from the incidents last week.
Assistant Chief Blake Chow said the photos prompted at least three parents to reach out once they recognized their children, reported television station KNBC. The teens were released but prosecutors are reviewing evidence, the outlet reported.
LAPD said the agency has set in place extra patrol efforts to prevent future flash mob robberies.
Authorities ask that anyone with information call 1-877-527-3247 or the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477. Tipsters can also go to www.lacrimestoppers.org or send evidence to ORC@lapd.online.
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Follow her on Twitter at@SaleenMartin or email her atsdmartin@usatoday.com.
veryGood! (811)
Related
- Alex Murdaugh’s murder appeal cites biased clerk and prejudicial evidence
- Fugitive Carlos Ghosn files $1 billion lawsuit against Nissan
- Air Pollution Particles Showing Up in Human Placentas, Next to the Fetus
- Jennifer Lopez’s Contour Trick Is Perfect for Makeup Newbies
- The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
- How an abortion pill ruling could threaten the FDA's regulatory authority
- Share your story: Have you used medication for abortion or miscarriage care?
- EPA’s ‘Secret Science’ Rule Meets with an Outpouring of Protest on Last Day for Public Comment
- McKinsey to pay $650 million after advising opioid maker on how to 'turbocharge' sales
- Kansas doctor dies while saving his daughter from drowning on rafting trip in Colorado
Ranking
- Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
- 'Cancel culture is a thing.' Jason Aldean addresses 'Small Town' backlash at Friday night show
- Khloe Kardashian Unveils New Photo of Her Growing Baby Boy
- Soaring Costs Plague California Nuke Plant Shut Down By Leak
- Skins Game to make return to Thanksgiving week with a modern look
- The future terrified Nancy until a doctor gave her life-changing advice
- Allergic to cats? There may be hope!
- Medicare tests a solution to soaring hospice costs: Let private insurers run it
Recommendation
2 killed, 3 injured in shooting at makeshift club in Houston
A new flu is spilling over from cows to people in the U.S. How worried should we be?
More than half of Americans have dealt with gun violence in their personal lives
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Spotify deal unravels after just one series
Tree trimmer dead after getting caught in wood chipper at Florida town hall
Dua Lipa and Boyfriend Romain Gavras Make Their Red Carpet Debut as a Couple at Cannes
Foo Fighters Reveal Their New Drummer One Year After Taylor Hawkins' Death
Music program aims to increase diversity in college music departments