Edward Hightower of Long Beach, a parolee suspected of robbing a medical marijuana dispensary in Orange County was arrested in Paramount Tuesday. Here’s the footage from the store’s security cameras.Read more: http://lbpo.st/1XRopE3
Posted by Long Beach Post on Thursday, March 24, 2016
Security camera footage of the robbery.
A Long Beach parolee suspected of robbing a medical marijuana dispensary in Orange County was arrested in Paramount Tuesday, according to the Garden Grove Police Department.
Authorities said Edward Hightower, 27—who was on parole for robbery—and another man allegedly robbed the Organic House, located at 9840 Garden Grove Boulevard, the morning of Sunday, March 20.
The employees, including two female budtenders and a male security guard, were robbed at gunpoint, authorities said. Hightower and the unidentified suspect allegedly stole a large amount of marijuana, cash, the security guard’s gun, and all three employees’ cell phones.
Police said one of the suspects was armed with an Uzi gun. Upon entering the business they immediately disarmed the security and forced him to the ground, along with the two female employees at gunpoint.
“One suspect watched over the three employees while another suspect placed the marijuana into a large duffle bag,” a release stated. “After gathering up the marijuana, the two suspects fled the store and drove away in the suspect vehicle.”
None of the employees were injured during the incident.
After working on several leads, GHPD detectives eventually arrested Hightower in Paramount on Tuesday, March 22, during which they found him in possession of the security guard’s handgun. Another stolen gun was recovered at Hightower’s apartment in Long Beach, officials said.
Hightower was booked into Orange County Jail.
Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying the second suspect who is described as a black man, late 20s to early 30s, with a heavy build. The suspect vehicle is a newer model black Toyota Camry with four doors, chrome rims and an unknown license plate.
Medical marijuana dispensaries are prohibited in Garden Grove.
If anyone has information that will help Garden Grove police identify the second suspect or others involved, please contact Detective John Casaccia at 714.741.5840. Callers can remain anonymous.
Above, left photo courtesy of GGPD.