California Bakery Looting Spree: 13-Year-Old Mastermind and Accomplices Apprehended
A 13-year-old boy and four other suspects have been apprehended in connection with a daring looting incident at Ruben’s Bakery & Mexican Food in Compton.
The juvenile, whose identity is protected due to age, is accused of driving a stolen car into the bakery, initiating a frenzy that involved over 100 looters, as seen in video footage released by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office.
Bakery Break-In and Rampage
On January 2, the young driver allegedly rammed a stolen white Kia Soul into Ruben’s Bakery & Mexican Food, providing an entry point for the mob.
The resulting chaos caused approximately $40,000 in damages and losses, leaving the store in shambles. Law enforcement discovered a trash bin on fire in the vicinity upon arrival.
Charges and Arrests
Sheriff Robert Luna detailed the charges against the 13-year-old, including burglary, felony vandalism, unauthorized vehicle use, and incitement of a riot.
The remaining four suspects face charges related to burglary and possession of stolen property in connection with the bakery looting.
Luna commended the teamwork and professionalism that led to the identification and arrests of the suspects.
Repeat Offenses and Additional Crimes
Despite being charged and released to family on January 12, the juvenile offender was caught on security video attempting to rob a 7-Eleven store in Carson, just hours after his release.
The robbery was thwarted by a vigilant sheriff who happened to be present at the scene. The young perpetrator was subsequently arrested for additional crimes in Carson and Compton and is currently in juvenile detention.
Kia Cars as Targets and the TikTok Challenge
The stolen car, identified as a white Kia Soul, adds to the rising trend of Kia and Hyundai thefts, particularly after the manufacturers ceased installing ‘immobilizers’ in their vehicles from 2011 to 2022.
A TikTok challenge under #KiaBoyz demonstrated how certain Kia and Hyundai models could be stolen using a phone charger or USB cable, contributing to a surge in thefts, particularly in Chicago.
Balenciaga Heist: Kim Kardashian’s Designer Purses Stolen in Dramatic Fashion
In a separate incident, Balenciaga handbags have become prime targets for thieves, leading to a TikTok car theft challenge and a significant increase in thefts of the luxury brand.
Kim Kardashian, who is associated with Balenciaga, faced backlash for her continued collaboration with the brand despite controversies involving child-themed advertisements.
Law Enforcement Response and Ongoing Investigations
Sheriff Luna, in announcing the arrests, pledged to continue investigating potential connections between recent burglaries in the area.
He expressed personal offense at the bakery looting, emphasizing the impact on a family-owned business that has served the community for decades.
Reuben Ramirez Jr., who manages the bakery, expressed frustration but vowed to remain open and resilient in the face of adversity. Luna concluded by issuing a stern warning to individuals involved in such criminal activities, emphasizing law enforcement’s commitment to pursuing every offender.*
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