Mob-Style Burglaries Hit East LA AutoZone Twice in 24 Hours

Key Takeaways

• LASD released images of 27 suspects tied to two burglaries at an AutoZone on South Atlantic Boulevard in East Los Angeles.
• The first break-in happened during a street takeover around 2:20 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. on Aug. 8; the second followed at about 3:30 a.m. on Aug. 9.
• Investigators describe the events as coordinated, "mob-like" burglaries; the first involved 11 suspects and the second involved 16.
• Store video shows smashed windows, broken computers, and shelves stripped of merchandise.
• Additional details: the first suspect wore a hoodie with "Wild Ones," and the store's electrical system was destroyed.
• Tips can go to Detective Luu at 323-264-4151 or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is asking the public to help identify 27 people seen in surveillance images from two burglaries at an East Los Angeles AutoZone. The back-to-back break-ins over one weekend left the store ransacked and triggered a broad request for tips.

Two Break-Ins, Two Street Takeovers

ABC7 reports the first burglary at around 2:20 a.m. on Aug. 8 in the 1100 block of South Atlantic Boulevard, just north of Olympic Boulevard. A suspect shattered the glass door and entered with about 10 other people during a street takeover. The department released photos of five males and six females suspected in that crime. NBC Los Angeles places the store in the 1130 block and says the break-in happened just before 2:30 a.m., a small discrepancy in the two reports.

Sheriff's bulletins add that the first suspect wore a hoodie emblazoned with a skull and the words "Wild Ones" before shattering the glass doors, and they list the time as 2:22 a.m.

About 25 hours later, at approximately 3:30 a.m. on Aug. 9, the same AutoZone was hit again. Investigators said some of the same suspects plus 11 additional people may have been involved. Both incidents were described as "mob-like" burglaries. Additional photos from that break-in show 11 males and five females.

What Surveillance Footage Shows

LASD released photos of 27 suspects in two social media posts, using footage recovered from the business. The images show smashed windows and computers, aisles filled with broken glass, and products pulled off shelves. Authorities have not disclosed what was stolen or the value of the loss. Sheriff's officials described the loss as significant.

Video shot by OnScene TV on Aug. 9 shows people rushing in and out of the store, some carrying merchandise, as roaring engines and squealing tires are heard in the background. That footage reveals shattered glass, empty shelves, cracked computer screens and scattered debris in the wake of the burglary. Authorities said the store's electrical system was destroyed, according to OnScene TV. At least two of the suspects in the sheriff's photos can be seen holding up their phones, and a third wore a "Scream" mask featuring the colors of the American flag.

Local Context: East Los Angeles

East Los Angeles is an unincorporated community in Los Angeles County, served by the LASD East Los Angeles Station. The targeted store sits along a busy commercial corridor near Olympic Boulevard. The burglaries are among several auto parts store thefts reported across the Los Angeles area.

ABC7 notes that four people were arrested after an AutoZone and a Spirit Halloween store in Downey were burglarized. NBC Los Angeles also reported that an AutoZone in South Los Angeles was ransacked last weekend. Investigators have not said whether those incidents are connected to the East LA cases.

Background: Street Takeovers and Organized Retail Theft

Street takeovers, often involving large groups of cars blocking intersections, have become a recurring public safety problem in Southern California. The first AutoZone burglary occurred during a street takeover, and the second also happened amid a takeover, according to authorities. It remains unclear whether the takeovers were linked to the burglaries or used as a distraction.

How to Help the Investigation

LASD encouraged anyone who recognizes the suspects to contact East Los Angeles Station Detective Luu or the on-duty watch commander at 323-264-4151. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or lacrimestoppers.org.

Conclusion

The investigation is active, and the public's help is critical to identifying two dozen suspects in what authorities describe as coordinated, mob-like commercial burglaries.