The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) released security footage Thursday showing a mass looting of a 7-Eleven on Aug. 15.
Detectives are investigating a “pit” that formed in the middle of the intersection of Figueroa Street and El Segundo Boulevard that led to a “flash mob” of looters at a 7-Eleven location in Los Angeles, according to a news release from the department.
The incident first involved drivers who were “doing donuts,” or driving in a circular motion while losing tire traction on purpose to create skid marks, before the mob formed outside the 7-Eleven, the LAPD stated. The looters stole merchandise including food, drinks, lottery tickets, cigarettes, and snacks, as well as vandalizing the store and throwing the goods at employees, according to the release.
‘Flash Mob’ Looters Ransack Convenient Store after Street Takeover
On August 15 around 12:40am a street takeover initiated at Figueroa and El Segundo. The spectators then formed a ‘flash mob’ of looters and rushed a nearby 7-Eleven.
News Release: https://t.co/3IZOBqk0H6 pic.twitter.com/ti0SNqc9Jr
— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) August 18, 2022
The LAPD are reviewing footage, which was also shared online, in order to identify those involved in the flash mob, according to the statement. (RELATED: Video Shows Bloody Aftermath Of Suspected Homeless Transient Fight In Major Tourist Hotspot)
Los Angeles is one of many U.S. cities experiencing historical increases in violent crime, amongst other offenses, in 2022. Despite the high rates of crime, at least one neighborhood voted to defund their police department in June. The city has lost upwards of 100,000 residents in recent years, which Democratic Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has blamed on housing costs.