A series of recent robberies in Los Angeles’ Koreatown, particularly along Wilshire Boulevard and Olympic Boulevard, has raised alarm among the Korean-American community and local residents.
Bank Customer Robbed of $13,000
On the 15th, around 2 PM, a bank customer fell victim to a robbery in front of Hanmi Bank on the 3700 block of West Olympic Boulevard. The victim, believed to be Korean-American, was en route to make a deposit when two African-American suspects stole a bag containing $3,000 in cash and checks worth $10,000.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) responded to the call at 2:34 PM but failed to apprehend the suspects. The perpetrators fled northbound on 4th Avenue in a late-model four-door BMW with heavily tinted windows, no front license plate, and a temporary paper plate on the rear.
The suspects are described as:
- African-American male, approximately 30 years old, wearing a black beanie, gray sweater, and white shoes.
- African-American male, in his 20s, wearing a white shirt.
No weapons were used in this incident, but the suspects reportedly shoved the victim.
Daylight Robbery in Wilshire Boulevard Parking Lot
In a separate incident on Friday the 16th at 9:40 AM, a Korean-American man was robbed and assaulted in a public parking lot at the corner of Wilshire and Harvard. The victim was attacked by a group of three armed robbers, described as African-American and Hispanic, while attempting to get a parking ticket. The assailants severely beat the victim and stole his watch and other belongings.
This parking lot, owned by St. Basil’s Cathedral, is frequently used by Korean-Americans and is typically staffed by private security, raising concerns about the overall safety in Koreatown.
The LAPD is investigating both incidents. These robberies have heightened worries about security in the Koreatown area, prompting calls for increased vigilance and improved safety measures.
