Police Arrest Suspects In 'Dangerous' Street Takeover Where Store Was Looted In Long Beach

LONG BEACH, CA — Two men have been arrested in connection with a street takeover in July where a convenience store was ransacked in the process, according to Long Beach police.

Tonjai Webster Jr., 20, of Los Angeles, was taken into custody on suspicion of commercial burglary, according to the Long Beach Police Department. Christopher J. Villegas, 20, of Lakewood, was arrested on suspicion of vandalism related to street racing, authorities said.

Police say the two men were identified as suspects in the street takeover turned commercial burglary in the area of Orange Avenue and Harding Street in North Long Beach the night of July 14.

Investigators with the Long Beach Police Department spoke with business owners, reviewed security camera footage and canvassed the area for additional evidence, which led them to identify Webster and Villegas as suspects in the crime and secure a warrant for their arrest, according to authorities.

Detectives served warrants in Long Beach, Lakewood, Santa Ana, Inglewood and Bell Gardens, which led to the arrest of the two men, police said. Detectives also seized seven vehicles connected with the crime, the LBPD said.

"Our community was concerned by the actions that took place on July 14th and the Long Beach Police Department has responded with focused and direct action,” Long Beach Chief of Police Wally Hebeish said in a statement Monday morning. “The outstanding work of our detectives and police officers has led to the arrest of suspects responsible for vandalism and burglary, as well as the seizure of vehicles from the illegal “street racing” event.

The case against the two men will be presented to the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office for filing consideration.

Detectives, meanwhile, will continue to investigate the incident to identify and arrest anybody else involved, the LBPD said.

"We will not accept dangerous and criminal behavior like this in our city, and those participating in any type of illegal motor vehicle gatherings or associated crimes will be identified and arrested," Hebeish said.

The LBPD asks that anyone with more information related to the takeover and commercial burglary contact detectives at 562-570-7351. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can submit tips through "LA Crime Stoppers" by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the "P3 TIPS" app to your smartphone (available at the Apple App Store and Google Play), or visiting www.LACrimeStoppers.org.