A six-week spree of armed robberies targeting Southern California pharmacies has culminated in the apprehension and charging of four individuals, as disclosed by federal officials. KTLA reports that the suspects, identified as 39-year-old Aaron Carter from Fontana, 25-year-old Diamond Lucious of Victorville, 35-year-old Isaac Penaldoza from San Bernardino, and 25-year-old Kamaria Kendrick of Menifee, hit several pharmacies in areas including Woodland Hills, Newport Beach, Fullerton, and Temecula.
These orchestrated heists, as described by the Department of Justice, involved the crew donning masks, hoodies, and gloves, with two of the suspects wielding firearms to intimidate and control pharmacy staff. In their most recent attempted robbery at the Apollo Pharmacy in Temecula, Kendrick was identified on security footage scouting the location moments before the other three suspects forcefully entered the establishment.
The suspects' finale culminated in an abrupt conclusion when authorities, who had been tailing the crew, tried to make apprehensions as they were attempting to flee leading to a minor collision as Kendrick, the driver at the time, hit one of the law enforcement vehicles – afterward, a 9mm pistol was discovered to have fallen out of their getaway vehicle upon its being immobilized. According to KTLA, the four were arrested on the spot, and all have been charged under the Hobbs Act for attempted interference with commerce by robbery.
