A gang member was charged with two counts of robbery by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office on Tuesday, after allegedly stealing from two Long Beach businesses last month, authorities said.
Long Beach resident Adriean Johnson, 30, allegedly robbed a gas station on the 1700 block of Long Beach Boulevard at about 10:00PM on Sunday, September 13, according to the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD).
According to a preliminary investigation, Johnson allegedly made no attempt to pay for several beverages he retrieved while at the gas station.
The suspect then allegedly assaulted a store employee who confronted him and then fled with the items, authorities said.
The victim was not injured.
Detectives also linked Johnson to the robbery of a donut shop at about 11:30PM on the 1600 block of East Seventh Street on Tuesday, September 15.
An investigation into that robbery revealed the suspect entered the shop and demanded money from the clerk who then fled the business in fear for her life.
The suspect then removed money and other items from the business and then fled the scene, officials said.
On Thursday, October 8, officers arrested Johnson without incident near Seventh Street and Gardenia Avenue after a call by residents who spotted him and believed he committed one of the robberies, according to authorities.
During the arrest, detectives learned Johnson was a gang member and on probation for a burglary.
Evidence related to the robberies were also discovered at Johnson’s residence, officials said.
On Tuesday, October 13, the district attorney’s office filed two felony robbery charges against Johnson and arraigned him on the same day.
His bail was set at $200,000.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to call LBPD. Robbery Detectives Mark Steenhausen and Benjamin Vargas at 562.570.7464. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call 800.22.TIPS (8477) or text TIPLA plus your tip to 274637 (CRIMES), or visit www.LACrimeStoppers.org.