On March 2, Palos Verdes Estates Police Dept. officers responded to a report of an armed home invasion robbery in the 700 block of Via La Cuesta. Officers and detectives arrived and documented this violent crime, examined forensic evidence and started an investigation. On July 8, PVEPD officers responded to another report of an armed home invasion robbery, which occurred in the 1300 block of Via Coronel. PVEPD officers and detectives again responded.  Detectives analyzed evidence from both scenes and believed both crimes were committed by the same suspects.

Through an intense analysis of evidence and data, our detectives were able to identify five suspects who they believed to be associated with a South Los Angeles gang. With the assistance of the Torrance Police Dept., hundreds of hours of surveillance was conducted and additional information was developed. Detectives contacted other agencies who had similar home invasion robberies. PVEPD detectives developed enough evidence to believe this robbery crew was responsible for an additional six home invasion robberies committed in various cities throughout Los Angeles County. These cities included Rancho Palos Verdes, La Habra Heights, La Cañada, Playa Del Rey and Palmdale. The estimated loss of these robberies was $1 million. After this intense, focused investigation and collaboration with allied agencies and the LA County District Attorney’s Office, PVEPD detectives obtained arrest and search warrants.

On Thursday, Oct. 18,  the Palos Verdes Estates Police Dept., with assistance from Torrance Police Dept. personnel, served several search/arrest warrants in the Los Angeles area related to this investigation. Five suspects were arrested that day and several items of evidence were recovered during the search warrants including two firearms, masks, gloves, handcuffs, zip ties, police scanners, “walkie-talkies,” jewelry, cash and items believed to show gang affiliation.

On Monday, Oct. 22, the case was presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office that filed a total of 60 felony counts. Four of the five defendants have prior convictions for robbery.