08/29/2026
Stolen Car. Multiple Arrests. Three Loaded Guns Recovered.
What began with officers spotting suspicious activity during a recent catalytic converter operation ended days later with multiple arrests, the recovery of three loaded fi***rms, and the discovery that the vehicle had been stolen during an armed carjacking.
On August 25, SMPD officers spotted the preciously observed black Audi near Ocean Avenue. A short time later, officers located the Audi after it had crashed near 2nd Street and Colorado Avenue. Several occupants ran from the vehicle, prompting a coordinated response that resulted in officers quickly locating and detaining those involved.
Then the investigation took an unexpected turn.
After the occupants fled, an individual who was not associated with them approached the abandoned Audi, removed a black backpack from inside, and ran from the area.
Using SMART Center resources, officers located the individual as he discarded the backpack in a nearby alley. A second individual, also not associated with the vehicle occupants, then picked up the discarded backpack and attempted to conceal it at a nearby construction site.
Officers located the backpack and discovered three loaded handguns inside, including two unserialized “ghost guns.” The individual who attempted to conceal the backpack was also taken into custody.
The Audi was subsequently confirmed stolen in an armed carjacking being investigated by LAPD’s Rampart Division.
Four individuals associated with the Audi were taken into custody, including two juveniles.
Long story short: Alert officers. SMART Center technology. Strong regional partnerships. Suspects arrested.
