DT Weekly remains committed to maintaining public safety and appreciates any involvement in keeping our community a safe place. Reporting information about DTLA crime may help bring criminals to justice.
Fear—what fear? Footage of Armed Robbery at Hill Street Jewelry captures a brave store owner.
On June 1st, three masked and hooded robbers ransacked Hill Street Jewelry, stealing an estimated half-million dollars worth of valuables. However, with the store security guard subdued by the robbers and a gun pointed directly at his head, video released June 9th shows store owner Priouz Shirazi refusing to back down, tussling with the armed robbers until they eventually made their getaway. The robbers fled in a black Nissan Altima, and no arrests have been made.
Burnouts and bullets: street takeover in Bunker Hill alerts more neighbors than police
A street takeover with hundreds of cars gathered around on Hope and 3rd Streets on Saturday, June 8th, around 3 a.m., centered around a white truck performing dangerous stunts. As residents posted video from their Bunker Hill lofts high above, shots rang out, causing the crowd to scatter. Neighbors told local news that despite several calls to 911, the LAPD never showed up. No arrests were made.
Justice for Johnny!
General Hospital actor Johnny Wactor was shot and killed on May 25 while trying to stop carjackers attempting to steal his catalytic converter after clocking out of his bartending job at Level 8. A $25,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest of the individuals responsible for Johnny’s death has been offered. There have been no arrests. Since, Wactor has received a honorable Emmy Award, and neighbors, family, and friends have planned a press conference and march on June 12th at 10 a.m. from Hope and Pico Blvd. to City Hall calling for increased safety measures.
Ribbon of Darkness
The Sixth Street Bridge, hailed as “The Robbin of Light” went dark again as DTLAs notorious copper thieves managed to strike again, stealing an estimated seven miles of wiring and plunging large sections into obscurity.
Despite a task force established by Councilman Kevin de León in January to address the thefts, the problem persists. While arrests have been made, the solution remains elusive.
The stolen copper likely netted the thieves a mere $11,000, according to Councilman de León’s office. Replacing the wiring and fixing the damage, however, will cost the city a staggering $2 million.
Unfortunately, there’s a strong possibility the bridge will be targeted again once repairs are complete.
Four-hour gym pass on top of Metro
On June 3rd, a deranged man climbed onto the roof of a bus in front of the Moxy Hotel in downtown Los Angeles and refused to come down for nearly four hours. Video captured him doing pushups and taking advantage of free bus lane rooftop classes, including Pilates, yoga, calisthenics, and even using an imaginary treadmill that had him running back and forth. Eventually, the man climbed down on his own and was not arrested. This incident happened just over two weeks after a separate incident caught on video involving a man surfing a Metro subway train surfaced on the internet.
Turn it down! 2nd deadly shooting at RZN recording studio in less than a year
On June 7th, shots rang out outside the location of RZN Recording Studio on 9th and San Pedro streets. This marks the second published incident for the Fashion District music studio, which offers several room rentals within one facility. Just less than a year ago, one person was shot and killed following a verbal argument.
Jack in the Box Killer: Vehicle-to-Vehicle Shooting Leaves One Man Dead and the Others Injured
A car-to-car shooting on Maple Avenue and 12th Street left one person dead and two others injured. The victims were stopped at a red light in the Fashion District when a suspect vehicle pulled alongside them and opened fire. The victims included two teens and a man in his 20s. The suspects fled the scene, and there is no description of the vehicle available.
If you have ANY information regarding these crimes, please contact the LAPD at 213.486.6606or their anonymous tip hotline at 800.222.8477 or visit LAcrimeStoppers.org
