Smash-and-grab suspects stopped by military personnel at Del Amo Fashion Center
A pair of smash-and-grab robbery suspects were arrested in Torrance Tuesday evening after they were stopped from fleeing by bystanders inside of the Del Amo Fashion Center.
According to Torrance police, the suspects smashed several displays at a jewelry store in the mall with hammers and attempted to flee with stolen merchandise when they were detained by several bystanders and military personnel who held them until officers arrived.
"Great work to all involved, including Marine Corps Recruiting South Bay!" Torrance Police Department said on Facebook.
The military members were inside of the recruiting center when the robbery occurred, and once they saw what was happening, they sprung into action.
"Personally, it makes me feel good that there are still people out here willing to help out," said TPD Sergeant Alexander Martinez. "But, from the police department side, we don't encourage people to step in and try to take matters into their own hand. We prefer that people just be kind of good witnesses and try to get as much information as they can to provide to police departments, so when we respond we can locate these individuals."
Two other suspects did get away, however. The identities of the apprehended suspects have not yet been released.
Police said that the military members were able to recover almost all of the stolen jewelry.
On Thursday, Staff Sergeant Josue Fregoso was recognized by Mayor George Chen and the City of Torrance for his help in stopping the robbers.
Fregoso and an applicant are among the bystanders who assisted in stopping the robbers on Tuesday.
