Saturday, Jan. 14: At 6:40 p.m., the victim was walking near Old River School Road and 3rd Street when a car pulled up beside him. The passenger exited the car, brandished a gun, and demanded the victim’s property. After receiving the loss, the suspect reentered the car and fled. The victim was not injured.
Sunday, Jan. 15: At 2:30 a.m., the victim and two females were standing in the 12300 block of Woodruff when a car approached and parked. The vehicle’s occupants began yelling obscenities at the victim. When he confronted them, the suspects (approx. 4 to 6) got out of the car, armed with a knife, and stabbed the victim. The suspects fled before officers arrived. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he is listed in critical condition.
Update: On Monday morning Robbery/Homicide detectives received this case. They learned that a witness had obtained two letters of the suspect’s license plate and a brief description of the car.
They teamed up with the Department’s Auto Theft Detective, who using his knowledge of vehicles and technological resources, led them to a vehicle registered in the City of Whittier. On Wednesday, January 18th, their investigation resulted in the registered owner of the vehicle, 20-year-old Justin Vasquez of Whittier, being arrested for the stabbing. He was booked for assault with a deadly weapon. The victim is still recovering at a local hospital.
At 4:00 p.m., officers responded to Denny’s Restaurant (8350 Firestone) concerning a vehicle burglary in progress. Upon arrival, they detained two suspects whom witnesses observed break into a car and remove property from inside the compartment. Officers subsequently recovered the loss and the suspects were arrested and charged with vehicle burglary.
Wednesday, Jan. 18: A robbery occurred near Adwen and Old River School Road at 6:00 p.m. The 62-year-old victim was walking from the bus stop, when two suspects approached her from behind. One suspect placed his hand over her mouth as the other forcibly took her purse from her. Both suspects fled the scene on foot. Detectives are investigating.
Information provided by Downey Police Department.

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Published: January 19, 2012 - Volume 10 - Issue 40