
Four suspects have been arrested and charged in connection with a violent pharmacy robbery spree across Southern California, ending a six-week crime wave that targeted multiple counties.
At a Glance
- Four suspects were charged with attempted interference with commerce by robbery under the Hobbs Act
- The robberies allegedly occurred over six weeks in Woodland Hills, Newport Beach, Fullerton, and Temecula
- The suspects allegedly entered pharmacies armed, forced employees to the ground, and stole cash and medications
- The spree reportedly ended with an attempted robbery at Apollo Pharmacy in Temecula, leading to the arrests.
- All suspects have prior felony convictions and are legally barred from possessing firearms.
Violent Pharmacy Robbery Spree Comes to an End
A series of brazen pharmacy robberies that terrorized Southern California for six weeks has been brought to a halt. Federal authorities have charged four suspects in connection with the crime spree that targeted pharmacies across multiple counties, including Woodland Hills, Newport Beach, Fullerton, and Temecula.
The suspects, identified as Diamond Lucious, Aaron Carter, Isaac Penaldoza, and Kamaria Kendrick, now face federal charges for attempted interference with commerce by robbery under the Hobbs Act. This development marks a significant breakthrough in combating pharmacy-related crimes that have been plaguing the region.
Armed robbery crew charged after attempting to rob Temecula pharmacy and following a six-week armed robbery spree https://t.co/FSEsUqy3aB
— US Attorney L.A. (@USAO_LosAngeles) October 16, 2024
Modus Operandi and Arrest Details
According to law enforcement reports, the robbery crew’s typical method involved three male suspects entering pharmacies while armed. They would allegedly force employees to the ground, then proceed to steal cash and medications. The fourth suspect, Kamaria Kendrick, allegedly acted as the getaway driver and scout for the operation.
The alleged crime spree came to an abrupt end during an attempted heist at Apollo Pharmacy in Temecula. Surveillance video captured the suspects’ actions, showing them wearing hoods, gloves, and masks. However, their plans were foiled when they failed to access a safe, forcing them to flee empty-handed.
Task Force Takes Down Robbery Crew
The Orange County Violence Crime Task Force, led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), successfully apprehended the suspects. During the arrest attempt, Kendrick reportedly crashed into a law enforcement vehicle while trying to escape. A 9mm handgun was recovered at the scene, adding to the severity of the charges against the group.
All four suspects have prior felony convictions, making their possession of firearms illegal. The criminal histories of the accused paint a troubling picture: Carter was on post-release community supervision and wearing an ankle monitor at the time of arrest. Lucious was on federal probation and CDCR parole for assault with a deadly weapon, while Penaldoza was on post-release community supervision for firearm violations.
Legal Proceedings and Public Safety
The case is now in the hands of Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin J. Butler and Jena A. MacCabe. As the legal process unfolds, the arrests serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating organized crime targeting pharmacies.
This series of arrests highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation in tackling complex criminal operations. The successful takedown of this robbery crew not only brings relief to pharmacy owners and employees across Southern California but also sends a strong message to would-be criminals about the consequences of such brazen acts.
As the community reflects on this event, it underscores the need for continued vigilance and support for law enforcement efforts to maintain public safety and protect businesses from violent crime.
Sources
- Armed Robbery Crew Arrested After Crime Spree Targeting Southern California Pharmacies
- Crew suspected of 6-week Southern California pharmacy crime spree arrested, authorities say
- Four suspects charged in string of SoCal pharmacy robberies