Home-Invasion Robbery NR21346ma

UPDATE                                          

Early Martell Smith, a 29-year-old from Los Angeles, was identified as a suspect and charged in this case.  Officers assigned to the LAPD Newton Area Gang Enforcement Detail recognized Smith as the suspect in the video of the robbery.  Additional evidence gathered during the investigation also lead to the identification of Smith.

Detectives learned Smith was arrested for a gun charge and parole violation on December 25, 2021.  Smith was charged for this crime while he remained in custody awaiting a parole hearing for the gun charge.

On January 20, 2022, the case was presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.  Charges filed included one count of 209(b)(1) PC- Kidnap for Robbery and one count 245(B) PC- Assault with a Deadly Weapon.  His bail was set at $1,100,000.

Detectives believe Smith may be involved in other similar crimes.  Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Detective Marsden and Detective Hammer at (213) 486-6840.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also go to www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips.”

Los Angeles: On November 26, 2021, around 10:30 p.m., multiple suspects confronted victims upon their arrival at a residence in the 100 block of N. Fuller Avenue in the Wilshire Area of Los Angeles.

The victims had spent the evening dining at a restaurant and had walked home. As the victims arrived at their residence, two suspects, wearing “police-type” tactical vests, approached and pointed a handgun at the victims. The suspects punched the victims and forced their way inside, where additional victims were located. The suspects continued to physically assault the victims as they gathered property. Three additional suspects entered the location and took additional property. A large amount of money and jewelry were among the items taken in the robbery.

One of the victims suffered significant facial injuries.

Suspect-1 was described as a male black, 20-25 years, approximately 6’01”, medium build, wearing a black hoodie, black “police-type” vest with a “police” badge attached. He was armed with a semi-automatic handgun.

Suspect-2 is described as a male black, 20-25 years, approximately 6’01”, medium build, wearing a black hoodie, black “police-type” vest with a “police” badge attached. He was armed with a rubber mallet.

Suspects 3-5 were described as males, with no further details.

On December 2, 2021, Robbery-Homicide Division learned of the surveillance video circulated on various social media platforms. The victims were contacted, and a report was made. RHD assumed investigative responsibility for the case. Further investigation will be conducted to determine if the victims were followed home before the robbery.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Detective Marsden and Detective Hammer at (213) 486-6840. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also go to www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips.”