A 21-year-old man from South Los Angeles has been arrested on federal charges alleging a string of armed robberies in parking lots across Los Angeles and Orange counties, including a brazen shooting outside the South Coast Plaza shopping mall in Costa Mesa.
Oshae Pollard faces charges of interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act) and use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. He was apprehended on Wednesday and is scheduled to appear in United States District Court in Santa Ana.
“The violence alleged in this complaint shocks the conscience,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “It is indeed essential that we hold perpetrators of violence accountable for victimizing our community. My office – through the Operation Safe Cities initiative – is collaborating with local law enforcement and using powerful federal tools to target the worst offenders of violent gun crime.”
According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, Pollard allegedly targeted victims in parking lots in a series of crimes between August 25 and September 22. These included at least three armed robberies and one attempted armed robbery.
The first robbery occurred late on August 25 at the Hustler Casino parking lot in Gardena. Pollard allegedly ran towards a woman, pushed her to the ground, and demanded her purse. When she resisted, he pulled out a black semi-automatic pistol, placed it in her mouth, and threatened to kill her. A witness intervened,and Pollard fled with the woman’s purse containing between $1,000 and $2,000.
Early the next morning,Pollard and an accomplice allegedly robbed a taxi driver in the parking lot of a Winchell’s Donut House in Carson. They struck the driver, entered his cab, and held him at gunpoint until he handed over his wallet and cellphone.
Later that same day, pollard and his accomplice allegedly approached two victims near their luxury vehicles. Pollard pointed a semi-automatic pistol at one victim and demanded cash. The victim surrendered a luxury watch, wallet, and the keys to his Rolls-royce. When the other victim attempted to drive away in a Ferrari, Pollard allegedly fired a shot at the car, narrowly missing the driver. the victim escaped to a nearby gas station and called the police.
On September 22, Pollard allegedly approached a victim entering his car at the South Coast Plaza shopping mall in Costa Mesa. He demanded the victim’s watch, ring, and car, threatening to shoot him. When the victim refused, Pollard allegedly shot him in the left hand. He then pointed the pistol at the victim’s chest and said, “You’re a dead man,” before shooting him in the left thigh. The victim fought back, kicking Pollard, who fled in a Kia Forte. The victim survived the gunshot wounds.
“Reducing violent crime in our community and throughout our country is a priority of the ATF,” said ATF Los Angeles Field Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Bombardiere. “I could not be more pleased with the outcome of this examination by the ATF Orange county Violent Crime Task Force.Cases like this highlight the importance of authentic relationships between law enforcement agencies to keep our communities safe. This arrest illustrates the task force’s unrelenting resolve to hold accountable anyone who engages in violent criminal activity.”
“These are crimes of violence that not only terrorize the intended targets, but our community as a whole, making shoppers think twice about weather a trip to the mall will erupt in gunfire,” said Kimberly Edds.
A multi-agency task force has apprehended a suspected repeat offender in Orange County, California, on charges related to a string of armed robberies. The arrest, announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, marks a important victory in the ongoing effort to combat violent crime in the region.
“Consequently of the unrelenting pursuit of justice by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, this arrest continues to send a strong message that crime doesn’t pay in Orange County,” said a spokesperson for the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.
The suspect, identified as Pollard, faces a potential life sentence if convicted on all charges.The arrest stems from Operation Safe Cities, a collaborative initiative aimed at targeting the most violent offenders and dismantling criminal networks.
“A complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.”
Operation Safe Cities prioritizes the prosecution of individuals responsible for the most serious violent crimes, recognizing that a small percentage of offenders are often responsible for a disproportionate amount of harm. By focusing on these high-impact criminals, authorities aim to enhance public safety and deter future criminal activity.
The investigation leading to Pollard’s arrest was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Orange County Violent Crime Task Force, a multi-agency unit comprising federal and local law enforcement partners. These include the ATF, Brea Police Department, Santa Ana Police department, and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, with support from the Newport Beach Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jena A. MacCabe and Kevin J. Butler of the Violent and Organized Crime Section are leading the prosecution of this case.
## Under the Gun: A Breakdown of the South Los Angeles Robbery Spree
**World today News: Expert Interview**
**Introduction:**
A wave of fear washed over Southern California as news broke of a string of brazen armed robberies targeting unsuspecting victims in parking lots. This past Wednesday, 21-year-old Oshae Pollard was arrested by federal agents, bringing a chilling end to a spree that culminated in a violent shooting outside Costa Mesa’s South Coast Plaza shopping mall. To help us understand the gravity of these crimes adn the complexities of addressing them, we’re joined by Dr. Sarah Jones, a criminologist and expert on urban violence. Dr. Jones, thank you for being here.
**Q: Dr. Jones, what initially stands out to you about this case?**
**Dr. Jones:** Several aspects of this case are deeply concerning. The sheer brazenness of the robberies, the willingness to use lethal force, and the targeting of seemingly random individuals in public spaces all point to a very disturbing pattern. It’s a clear escalation from typical property crimes, and the violence displayed instills a sense of fear and vulnerability in the community.
**Q: The modus operandi seems to be consistent: targeting undervalued public spaces. is this a pattern you’ve observed before?**
**Dr. Jones:** absolutely.Parking lots, especially those adjacent to shopping malls or large businesses, often present a sense of isolation and opportunity for criminals. They are often poorly lit, have limited security, and the focus of victims can be divided between their belongings and navigating their surroundings. This makes them notably vulnerable.
**Q: The alleged use of a firearm raises the stakes considerably. Do you think this suggests a level of gang involvement?**
**Dr. jones:** That’s a possibility, but it’s crucial not to jump to conclusions. While gang activity often involves firearms, it’s important to remember that individuals outside gang structures can also access weapons. The presence of a firearm certainly suggests a higher level of threat and willingness to use extreme measures, which warrants serious concern.
**Q: The arrest was made through a collaborative effort between federal agencies and local law enforcement. Do you think this is indicative of a broader shift in approach to tackling such crimes?**
**Dr. Jones:** Certainly. We’re seeing a growing recognition that violent crime often transcends jurisdictional boundaries. these Collaborative initiatives, like Operation Safe Cities, allow for the pooling of resources, expertise, and intelligence-gathering capabilities, ultimately leading to a more effective response. This type of collaborative approach is essential in addressing the root causes of violence and creating safer communities.
**Q: what are the next steps in addressing this situation,both in terms of the individual case and the broader issue of gun violence?**
**Dr. Jones:** In this case, a thorough examination is crucial to ensure justice is served and any accomplices are brought to account. Moving forward, we need a multi-pronged approach. Strengthening community policing, investing in social programs that address the underlying drivers of violence, and implementing complete gun control measures are all vital components in tackling this complex issue.
**Conclusion:**
The arrest of Oshae Pollard is a step towards addressing this alarming series of robberies. However, Dr. Jones emphasizes the significance of a multi-faceted approach to combatting gun violence and building safer communities. We at World Today News remain committed to providing ongoing coverage of this crucial issue.
