A 49-year-old man wanted in connection with three violent carjacking attempts of women at gas stations in East Los Angeles has been taken into custody, authorities confirmed to KTLA.
The Nov. 9 incidents, all of which were captured on surveillance cameras, occurred between the hours 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. in Lincoln Heights and Boyle Heights.
Authorities said the suspect, identified as Maurice Latorre who was described as violent and dangerous, checked himself into L.A. General Medical Center for treatment and was recognized by hospital staff.
“The suspect was identified by a nurse, who called 911,” Los Angeles Police Department LAPD officials said at a press conference Thursday. “Our officers responded and were able to positively identify the suspect.”
They added that the 49-year-old suffers from mental illness, though it’s unclear how severe it is.
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Maurice Latorre, 49, is wanted in connection with a trio of attempted carjackings on Nov. 9, 2024 in East L.A. (LAPD) -
Surveillance footage of Maurice Latorre, 49, attempting to carjack a victim on Nov. 9, 2024. (LAPD) -
Surveillance footage of Maurice Latorre, 49, attempting to carjack a victim on Nov. 9, 2024. (LAPD) -
Surveillance footage of Maurice Latorre, 49, attempting to carjack a victim on Nov. 9, 2024. (LAPD) -
Surveillance footage of Maurice Latorre, 49, attempting to carjack a victim on Nov. 9, 2024. (LAPD) -
Surveillance footage of Maurice Latorre, 49, attempting to carjack a victim on Nov. 9, 2024. (LAPD) -
Surveillance footage of Maurice Latorre, 49, attempting to carjack a victim on Nov. 9, 2024. (LAPD)
Just a day earlier, LAPD released Latorre’s photo, as well as surveillance video of the attacks to warn the public while the suspect was still at large.
“All three victims were females, “ LAPD Det. Jose Diaz-Ibarra said. “Two of the victims actually had children with them during the robbery attempts. He had no weapon that we know of – just bodily force. On one occasion, he had a metal object he used to try to break the window.”
While residents in the area say they’re relieved that Latorre is behind bars, several of them said they are still worried.
“It’s scary to know that it was right here in front of my house,” one resident who did not want to be identified told KTLA. “My sister lives in the building too and she always pumps gas right there. So, I mentioned to my sister to be careful and have anything on her like pepper spray, anything for safety.”
“Our ultimate goal is that we’re able to successfully prosecute this individual,” police said at the press conference, “and that we reach out to our victims and let them know that he is in custody. It will help with their recovery.”
Two of the 49-year-old’s victims sustained minor injuries during the terrifying assaults but are expected to recover.
