Downey Police arrest nearly a dozen looters

DOWNEY – Nearly a dozen people have been arrested in the past 48 hours for attempting to loot Downey businesses.

On Sunday at about 6 p.m., Stonewood Center security reported looting inside JCPenney. Police officers arrested six men and one woman, who were also suspected of breaking into a jewelry store and sports clothing store.

That same night, Hall Market on the 11500 block of Lakewood Blvd. was looted. Officers observed several suspects running out of the business. Two men were arrested for burglary.

At around 2 a.m. Monday, officers responded to reports of a burglary at Shoe Palace at 827 Firestone Blvd. Two men, ages 20 and 22, removed plywood from the doors at the rear of the business but were unsuccessful in prying open the fortified doors.

The suspects were attempting to flee in a vehicle as officers arrived. Both suspects, who are from Los Angeles, were arrested.

Several stores and businesses boarded up their windows Tuesday in anticipation of a planned demonstration Wednesday at the Promenade. Another protest is planned for Friday afternoon outside City Hall.