Street Vendors Targeted By Armed Robbers In Long Beach

LONG BEACH, CA — Long Beach police are investigating multiple armed robberies that affected street vendors for months.

According to police, in four separate instances unknown a suspect on a bike approached a street vendor and demanded cash before fleeing the scene. In three of the incidents, the suspect pointed a gun at the victim and in one incident, the suspect grabbed his waistband as if he was armed.

Each incident occurred near Cedar Avenue and Willow Street on the following dates:

• March 24 at approximately 11:00 p.m.
• May 23 at approximately 11:40 p.m.
• June 18 at approximately 11:05 p.m.
• June 25 at approximately 9:57 p.m.

Police have increased their patrols in the area in an attempt to deter additional crime and engage with the business and community.

Anyone who may have additional information about the incidents was urged to contact Long Beach Police Department Robbery Detectives at 562-570-7464. Anonymous tips may be submitted by calling 800-222-8477 or by visiting LACrimeStoppers.org.