Man Wanted in Connection with Three Violent Carjacking Attempts of Women at Gas Stations in East Los Angeles Taken into Custody
A 49-year-old man wanted in connection with three violent carjacking attempts of women at gas stations in East Los Angeles has been taken into custody, authorities confirmed to KTLA.
Incidents Occurred on November 9
The Nov. 9 incidents, all of which were captured on surveillance cameras, occurred between the hours 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. in Lincoln Heights and Boyle Heights.
Suspect Identified and Taken into Custody
Authorities said the suspect, identified as Maurice Latorre, who was described as violent and dangerous, checked himself into L.A. General Medical Center for treatment and was recognized by hospital staff.
“The suspect was identified by a nurse, who called 911,” Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officials said at a press conference Thursday. “Our officers responded and were able to positively identify the suspect.”
Suspect Suffers from Mental Illness
They added that the 49-year-old suffers from mental illness, though it’s unclear how severe it is.
Surveillance Footage Released
Victims Sustained Minor Injuries
Two of the 49-year-old’s victims sustained minor injuries during the terrifying assaults but are expected to recover.
Community Reacts
Just a day earlier, LAPD released Latorre’s photo, as well as surveillance video of the attacks to warn the public while the suspect was still at large.
“All three victims were females,” LAPD Det. Jose Diaz-Ibarra said. “Two of the victims actually had children with them during the robbery attempts. He had no weapon that we know of – just bodily force. On one occasion, he had a metal object he used to try to break the window.”
While residents in the area say they’re relieved that Latorre is behind bars, several of them said they are still worried.
“It’s scary to know that it was right here in front of my house,” one resident who did not want to be identified told KTLA. “My sister lives in the building too and she always pumps gas right there. So, I mentioned to my sister to be careful and have anything on her like pepper spray, anything for safety.”
Conclusion
The LAPD is working to successfully prosecute Latorre and reach out to the victims to let them know that he is in custody, which will help with their recovery.
FAQs
Q: What happened during the carjacking attempts?
A: The suspect, Maurice Latorre, attempted to carjack three women at gas stations in East Los Angeles on November 9. He used bodily force and, on one occasion, a metal object to try to break a window.
Q: Were the victims injured?
A: Two of the victims sustained minor injuries during the assaults but are expected to recover.
Q: How was the suspect taken into custody?
A: The suspect was taken into custody after checking himself into L.A. General Medical Center for treatment and being recognized by hospital staff.
Q: Does the suspect have a history of mental illness?
A: Yes, the suspect, Maurice Latorre, suffers from mental illness, although the severity of it is unclear.
