Robbers Take Merchandise, Two Arrested

Los Angeles:   Two Hispanic men were arrested Monday after removing merchandise from a liquor store in the Rampart Area of Los Angeles.

On October 8, 2006, at about 8:15 p.m., a group of several Hispanic suspects, one of whom carried a baseball bat, entered the liquor store, located in the 1400 block of West Washington Boulevard.  The suspects left the liquor store with several cases of beer without paying.  Out of fear and intimidation, store employees elected not to stop the suspects.

On the evening of October 9, 2006, Rampart officers developed and initated a survillance plan of the location. During the stake-out, officers saw two Hispanic males enter the store.  A few minutes later these same suspects left carrying several six packs of beer. The officers saw the owner exit the store yelling for help. The officers took one suspect into custody immediately and arrested the other a short time later.

It was later learned through the investigation that both suspects were involved in the robbery on October 8, 2006. The suspects are identified as Joel Sandoval, 21, and a 17 year-old juvenile. Both were arrested for Robbery. Rampart Detectives are reviewing surveillance videotape in an attempt to identify additional suspects.

Anyone with information is asked to Rampart Gang Detectives at 213-207-2117. After hours or on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).