Police arrested a 22-year-old man for allegedly robbing a handful of food trucks near North Hollywood.
Los Angeles Police Department investigators said the eight armed robberies occurred between September 8 and 21 in North Hollywood and surrounding San Fernando Valley neighborhoods. Officers said in both cases, 22-year-old Jesus Garcia-Sotelo used a firearm to threaten the victims at seven food trucks and one 7-Eleven store.
Although the robberies spanned several departments within the LAPD, North Hollywood detectives took over the investigation and identified Garcia as their prime suspect within a month of the last robbery.
On October 16, investigators and officers from the Gang Enforcement Detail entered the 22-year-old’s home and found clothing that matched the suspect’s outfits in all eight robberies. They arrested Garcia and seized one of his vehicles, which was reportedly related to another robbery investigation.
The next day, the Los Angeles County district attorney charged Garcia with 10 counts of robbery and assault with a firearm, the LAPD said. He is being held without bail.
Detectives released his photo in hopes of identifying any additional victims who did not come forward.
L.A.P.D
Investigators asked anyone with information to contact North Hollywood Division detectives at (818) 754-8410. After-hours calls should be directed to (877) 527-3247. Anonymous tips can be submitted to the LA Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 or through their website.
