Reseda Phone Store Clerk Fights Back in Armed Robbery, Pepper Spray Used

A clerk at an LA Tech Repair store in Reseda exchanged pepper spray blasts with three masked robbers on August 25, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Surveillance footage from the store, located in the 7600 block of Tampa Avenue, shows the employee becoming cautious after a young man held the door open, recalling previous robberies. As three suspects rushed the store and began smashing display cases, the clerk deployed pepper spray, but was then sprayed himself and ultimately knocked to the ground. The thieves fled with approximately 60 phones and computers. This incident highlights a growing concern over retail crime in the Los Angeles area.

The store owner reported that all three of his locations in the San Fernando Valley have been targeted by robbers multiple times. Both the employee and the owner stated they are traumatized by the event and released the video in hopes of identifying the suspects. They have since implemented a new security measure requiring all customers to be buzzed into the store. For more information on protecting your business, resources are available from the Small Business Administration.

Investigators are actively seeking the suspects and ask anyone with information to contact the LAPD. Similar incidents have prompted increased discussion about crime trends and security measures for businesses.

Authorities continue to investigate and are hopeful that the released surveillance footage will lead to an arrest.