On Jan 10, a smash-and-grab robbery of a luxury watch retailer on Wilshire Boulevard resulted in five arrests after a brief vehicle pursuit of the suspects. The robbery took place in the afternoon at Wrist Aficionado, which is located in the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. One security guard sustained injuries during the robbery and is expected to recover. Police continue to search for additional suspects, according to Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) Public Information Office Lieutenant Kevin Orth.
A spokesman for the Waldorf Astoria told the Courier, “Upon being alerted to the situation, the hotel’s security team immediately contacted the Beverly Hills Police Department.” The spokesman said, “The safety and security of our guests and team members is always a top priority, and we continue to make every effort to ensure all practices and standards are in line with strict safety and security protocols. We are working with the third-party store and cooperating fully with local authorities.”
The suspects fled in several vehicles after the robbery. One of the vehicles, a black Mercedes sedan, was located by the BHPD shortly thereafter. When officers attempted to make a traffic stop, the vehicle did not yield. Officers pursued the Mercedes into Bel-Air, with the pursuit concluding on Sepulveda Boulevard and Moraga Drive. Five suspects were taken into custody, along with evidence and property connected to the robbery.
Orth told the Beverly Hills Courier that no officers were injured during the pursuit or arrests.
Arrested were Alexander Cash, 20; Kolion Beyan, 20; Jordan Jackson, 20; Kevin Turner, 23 and James Knight, 19. All are from Los Angeles. All were booked on suspicion of felony robbery, burglary, organized retail theft and criminal conspiracy. Beyan was additionally charged with resisting arrest, reckless evading, assault with deadly weapon or force likely to produce great bodily injury and receiving stolen property. Jordan was also booked on suspicion of reckless evading and resisting arrest. Turner was booked on suspicion of reckless evading and resisting arrest. Knight was booked on suspicion of resisting arrest and receiving stolen property.
The charges of organized retail theft are charges newly available to law enforcement pursuant to a statute that went into effect on Jan. 1. A conviction carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison.
The BHPD is still searching for one vehicle as well as several additional suspects.
