A violent robbery took place on Thursday in Chinatown, where an employee at a local boutique endured a brutal assault, all of which was captured on surveillance video.
This alarming incident unfolded at approximately 12 p.m. at Angies Boutique, situated on N Broadway. The surveillance footage vividly depicts a man entering the store and, in a swift and shocking move, pushing the female employee to the ground while attempting to reach over the counter.
The courageous employee, undeterred by the sudden attack, made an effort to thwart the suspect, leading to a brief but intense physical struggle. During this altercation, she was punched in the face, sustaining injuries that required hospitalization. At present, she is receiving treatment for a swollen eye.
The boutique’s owner, speaking to Eyewitness News, shared the distressing fact that the assailant managed to escape with two valuable pieces of art, valued at around $5,000.
He expressed deep concern about the impact of this theft on their small business, particularly in the context of the challenging economic climate exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He remarked, “For a small business, it hurts us. Plus, with COVID and everything that’s going on now, the economy down the drain, it’s hard. So $5,000 is a lot for us. At the end, we’re concerned about our health more than anything.”
In response to this harrowing incident, the Los Angeles Police Department has initiated a thorough investigation and is closely examining the surveillance footage in their pursuit of the suspect.
The store owner has taken additional steps by offering a $5,000 reward to anyone who can provide information leading to the identification and capture of the assailant. His hope is that the video evidence will aid law enforcement in swiftly bringing the perpetrator to justice before another such incident occurs.