Los Angeles - On Tuesday, January 23, 2001, Robbery-Homicide Division detectives, with the assistance of personnel from Detective Services Division and Special Investigation Section (SIS), arrested the Radio Shack/Wherehouse Music Store Robbery Bandits.

On January 9, 2001, Robbery-Homicide Division, Robbery Special Section (RHD/RSS) requested the public’s assistance through a press conference via the television and print media. As a result of this press conference, RHD/RSS detectives received information from a citizen that lead to the identity of one of the suspects, Victor Pena, who resides in the Hollywood area.

With the identity of Pena, SIS detectives were able to locate, identify and arrest Manuel Rodriguez, Jose Soto and Victor Pena. Rodriguez was armed at the time of arrest with a fully loaded semi-automatic pistol.

Pursuant to a search warrant, detectives recovered money, computers, DVD's, CD's, Segas, Play Stations and a Rolex watch.

The arrestees were charged with armed robbery and are each being held on $1.5 million dollars bail pending arraignment.

The arrest of these bandits terminated a six-month reign of terror on Radio Shack and Wherehouse Music stores throughout the city and county. These bandits were responsible for approximately 30 robberies citywide.

This Press Release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.