A year-long string of armed robberies has concluded with an arrest. In a series of events spanning from July 2023 to September 2024, authorities have apprehended two men linked to the crime wave—Jose Angel Rios Pinedo and James Pierce, following a pursuit that ended when their vehicle struck a curb, as reported by the Long Beach Police Department.
The most recent incident occurred on September 23, when the suspects allegedly committed an armed robbery at a business on Cherry Avenue, after the officers responded to the scene, they located the getaway vehicle which led to a brief chase when the driver refused to stop and after impacting a curb two suspects attempted to flee on foot but were quickly apprehended, as detailed by the LBPD. Upon searching the suspects and their vehicle, a firearm and other evidence were discovered that connected them to the robbery, with Pinedo facing a multifarious array of charges including robbery, terrorization threats, and weapons violations while Pierce’s charges encompass resisting arrest and possessing a controlled substance.
The investigation by robbery detectives included analyzing surveillance footage, pinpointing suspect vehicles, and gathering more evidence, which led to identifying Pinedo as the main culprit in a host of robberies. A search warrant executed at Pinedo's residence turned up further evidence tying him to numerous other incidents, pinpointing locations across Atlantic Avenue and on Market Street where lawlessness unfolded over the past year, as per the LBPD.
Authorities urge anyone with more information to come forward and contact the LBPD Robbery Detectives or submit anonymous tips through "LA Crime Stoppers."
