LAPD Organized Retail Crime Task Force Arrest Numerous “Flash Rob” Suspects 

October 8, 2024 – Los Angeles Police Department officials report that on October 4^th, 2024, around 5:15 p.m., a “Flash Rob” style robbery occurred at two retailers inside the Westfield Topanga Mall located on the 21700 block of Victory Boulevard. A total of 12 suspects ran into the stores and within minutes stole more than $90,000 worth of merchandise. The suspects, who were wearing masks and hooded sweatshirts, overwhelmed the security and knocked over numerous display shelves.

The LAPD Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF) responded and assumed investigative responsibility. Working with LAPD Topanga area officers and mall security, the ORCTF was able to quickly identify potential suspects and suspect vehicles involved in the crime.

On October 4^th, 2024, around 9:40 p.m., LAPD Southwest area officers located and detained one of the vehicles used by the flash robbery suspects with five occupants. ORCTF detectives responded to Southwest station and identified all five occupants as being present and actively involved in the robbery. All five suspects, which included two juveniles, were arrested and charged with Robbery.

• Joshua Jones, 22-years-old, Los Angeles resident. Booking number 6895771, Bail $1,085,000
• Amaya McDonald, 19-years-old, Los Angeles resident. Booking number 6895775, Bail $150,000
• Justin Jones, 18-years-old, Los Angeles resident. Booking number 6895764, Bail $150,000
• Two Juveniles

On October 4^th, 2024, around 11:50 p.m., Huntington Beach Police Department officers located and detained a second vehicle, involved in the flash robberies, with one sole female driver. HBPD officers contacted the ORCTF detectives and assisted in continuing the investigation. Inside the vehicle, HBPD located and recovered stolen property that ORCTF detectives verified as being taken during the Flash Robbery. HBPD officers arrested the driver for Felony Possession of Stolen Property.

• Rajene Robinson 26-years-old, Los Angeles resident. Booking number 3336732, no bail.

Anyone with information about this or other similar incidents is asked to call Commercial Crimes Division, Organized Retail Crime Section, Detectives at (818) 374-9437. If you wish to submit videos or information about the incident via e-mail, send the information to ORC@lapd.online. During non-business hours or on the weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.

Source & photos: Los Angeles Police Department