On Friday, August 18, 2023, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna; Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón; Michael Hoffman, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearm’s Los Angeles Division; and Esther Lim, Justice Deputy for Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor Hilda Solis, came together following an extensive and intricate investigation that spanned multiple jurisdictions to disclose the arrest of two suspects believed to be connected to the purse-snatching viral video in Hacienda Heights.
The robbery, which took place on August 14, 2023, involved a male suspect who had forcibly dragged an elderly woman across a sidewalk by her purse before seizing it and fleeing the scene. Multiple jurisdictions had been involved in this exhaustive and complex investigation that culminated in the arrest of the suspects. Law enforcement officials, including detectives from the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau, were present to provide additional information about the investigation and the successful apprehension of the suspects.
The LASD’s Major Crimes Bureau—Burglary Robbery Task Force has maintained a strong partnership with the Orange County Violent Crimes ATF Task Force for over 11 years, emphasizing a shared commitment to public safety and crime prevention.
On Monday, August 14, 2023, the Orange County ATF task force collaborated with the LASD Major Crimes Bureau Burglary—Robbery Task Force to address a series of violent robberies targeting primarily Asian victims in the Rowland Heights and Hacienda Heights areas. Over three months, this criminal crew is believed to have committed three purse snatch robberies against female victims and robbed a male victim of his wallet. The crew’s manner of working was forcefully seizing victims’ purses. During one of these incidents, a suspect resorted to firing a pistol into the air while struggling with the male victim.
In an unexpected turn of events during the joint task force meeting, investigators were alerted to another recent violent robbery that had taken place in the Hacienda Heights vicinity. The violent video footage depicted an elderly Asian woman being subjected to a forceful theft, wherein a male suspect dragged her along the pavement in an attempt to take her purse. The suspect wrestled the purse from her grasp, escaping into a waiting vehicle that sped away. The victim sustained several injuries, including scrapes, bruises, and a possible concussion.
Major Crimes detectives worked tirelessly, successfully identifying the two suspects as 19-year-old Russell Hardy Jr. and 19-year-old Cameron DeShawne Perry, both residents of Los Angeles.
Russell Hardy Jr., who served as the getaway driver, was apprehended late Wednesday evening in Los Angeles. Shortly after that, Cameron DeShawne Perry, the suspect responsible for dragging the elderly victim, was arrested Thursday afternoon in Los Angeles. The collaborative efforts of the Major Crimes Bureaus’ Burglary-Robbery Taskforce and the United States Marshal’s Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Taskforce ensured these suspects’ swift and safe apprehension.
The diligent teamwork, effective collaboration, and unwavering professionalism displayed by all parties involved contributed to the prompt identification and apprehension of the suspects. The exceptional investigative work conducted by the detectives working on this case augments the possibility of a successful prosecution against two violent individuals who have instilled fear in innocent Los Angeles County residents.
Sheriff Luna expressed his feelings regarding the brutal attack, “This is an assault on our entire community.”
The charges against the suspects include a range of counts, encompassing 1st Degree Robbery, 2nd Degree Robbery, Attempted 2nd Degree Robbery, and Elder Abuse. The Burglary Robbery Task Force remains committed to assisting in any further investigations that could link these suspects to additional robberies within Los Angeles County.
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon addressed the residents from the Los Angeles County, “No one in our community should have to leave their home in fear that they will be robbed and assaulted while running errands,”
This incident underscores the significance of cross-jurisdictional partnerships in enhancing community safety. The collaborative endeavors facilitated by the Orange County ATF Violent Crimes Task Force have yielded substantial results in addressing various state and federal investigations over the years. These endeavors have encompassed confronting challenges such as a violent 7-11 serial murder-robbery crew, a Southern California gun store burglary ring, a series of violent high-end jewelry and watch store robberies, and numerous other high-profile, high-risk investigations.
The enduring partnership between the LASD and the Orange County ATF Violent Crimes Task Force has proven to be a resounding success for Los Angeles County and the surrounding cities. The dedicated investigators of the Orange County ATF Violent Crimes Task Force exemplify tenacity and professionalism, and the Department highly values their contributions.
Janice Hahn of the Fourth District on The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has emphasized that prioritizing public safety remains her foremost concern. She further emphasizes, “It is our responsibility and obligation to keep the residents of LA County safe.”
In the face of criminals who recognize no boundaries, collaboration remains an indispensable cornerstone of our collective safety. All agencies will continue to maintain a safer environment for all by working together.
