A man was arrested in connection with the looting of an AutoZone earlier this week and for leading police on a car chase in Los Angeles, authorities said Friday.
Danny Sanchez, 24, was charged with organized grand theft in retail, one count of fleeing the motor vehicle of a pursuing law enforcement officer while driving recklessly and second-degree robbery, the U.S. District Attorney's Office said. Los Angeles County in a news release.
“Sir. Sánchez's alleged actions are part of a disturbing trend that not only harms local businesses, but also jeopardizes the safety of our community,” District Attorney George Gascón said in a statement. ” “Such blatant behavior will not be tolerated.”
Sanchez, police said, was among a crowd of people who broke into an AutoZone about 1:30 a.m. Monday near Century Boulevard and Hoover Street and stole more than $1,000 in merchandise. Sanchez then allegedly fled the scene, leading police on a car chase.
Authorities eventually arrested him and recovered the stolen merchandise.
Sanchez pleaded not guilty to the charges Wednesday and is scheduled to appear June 27 in Compton court, authorities said. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of three years and eight months in prison.
The AutoZone robbery occurred after a shooting occurred on the street near the store, police said. Video from the scene showed a mob of about 50 people near the storefront, and several of them covered their faces with sweatshirts and masks. They opened the security door and forced their way in before fleeing with stolen merchandise.
