LOS ANGELES, Nov. 16 – A string of violent robberies in the South Bay area of Los Angeles left multiple taco stand workers injured late Friday night and early Saturday morning, with authorities suspecting the same group of armed men in all four attacks.
The incidents began around 11 p.m. near Torrance Boulevard and Denker Avenue in Torrance, where three to four suspects armed with guns approached a taco stand, demanded money, and brutally assaulted workers. According to police, one employee was hospitalized for head and hand injuries, while another was treated at the scene. The attackers reportedly made off with $2,000.
Forty minutes later, a similar robbery was reported less than two miles away in the Harbor Gateway area, near 190th Street and Normandie Avenue. Witnesses said the suspects, described as Hispanic men, fled in a black Scion after stealing $1,000 from the taco vendor.
By midnight, police were called to a third robbery at a taco stand near Torrance Boulevard and Vermont Avenue. An employee there was pistol-whipped, sustaining head injuries in another violent attack.
The final robbery took place around 12:30 a.m. near 182nd Street and Western Avenue in Gardena. Employees were again assaulted, though the amount stolen was not disclosed. Investigators believe the same black Scion was used as the getaway car in all four incidents.
Local law enforcement agencies, including the Los Angeles Police Department and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, are investigating the robberies as linked events. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or information that could lead to the suspects’ apprehension.
The violent spree has renewed concerns about the safety of street vendors, who often work late hours in isolated areas. Advocates for the vendors have called for increased protections and resources to prevent further incidents.
No arrests have been made as of Saturday afternoon, and police continue to search for leads.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact local authorities to assist in the investigation.
