August 22, 2023 - Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced on Monday that a man has been charged in connection with a series of violent robberies of street vendors at 
six locations in Los Angeles within a 2-hour period on August 16.
“The ongoing violence targeting street vendors will not be tolerated,” District Attorney Gascón said. “These coordinated armed robberies on vulnerable individuals simply striving to earn a living are abhorrent. I thank the Los Angeles Police Department for their quick action in this case. We will continue to hold those who cause harm accountable.”
Stayshawn Stephens (dob 02/12/1997) of Los Angeles faces 12 felony counts of second-degree robbery with aggravating factors of violent conduct.
He is being held on $1.3 million bail.
Stephens pleaded not guilty at an arraignment this morning in Dept. 30 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center. The defendant is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing setting on September 1.
On Aug. 16, 2023, three individuals dressed in black clothing brandished handguns, and on one occasion a knife, while demanding money from vendors in Echo Park, downtown Los Angeles and East Hollywood. The individuals searched pockets of the victims, stole tip jars and fled in a white Honda Civic.
Stephens was identified as one of those involved, however, the investigation into the other suspects is ongoing.
Case BA517277 is being investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department.
Source: Los Angeles County District Attorney
