A three-person burglary ring that targeted 131 restaurants and retail stores, primarily focusing on Asian businesses, in the Los Angeles area has been arrested, including one juvenile.
On April 23, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) announced the arrest of a trio of burglars who targeted family-run restaurants and retail stores between March and June of last year. Particularly, they primarily targeted restaurants owned by Asian businesses.
The group of burglars was nicknamed the “Punch Crew” after robbing more than 100 restaurants and retail stores using a punch tool. They stole more than $80,000 from restaurants and retailers and caused $160,000 in property damage through vandalism.
The arrested suspects are Jacob Pugh, 19, Kewon Stevenson, 25, and one juvenile. The suspects typically committed their crimes after hours when restaurants and stores were closed.
According to surveillance footage released by the LAPD, the suspects covered their faces with hoodies and used punching tools to break into the businesses’ windows, stealing cash registers and other valuables before fleeing.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office charged the two adult suspects with 19 counts of commercial burglary, and each was held on $975,000 bail. The investigation is still ongoing. Additional information can be reported to the LAPD at 1-877-275-5273.
BY HYOUNGJAE KIM, HOONSIK WOO [kim.ian@koreadaily.com]
