Long Beach man arrested on suspicion of 20-plus armed robberies at stores across Los Angeles, Orange counties
A 26-year-old Long Beach man was arrested on suspicion of more than 20 armed robberies at retail stores in Los Angeles and Orange counties that spanned over several weeks, officials announced Monday.
Darryle Samuel is suspected of carrying out the robberies in seven cities, starting in early October with the last one on Nov. 19, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Samuel was arrested a day after on Nov. 20, officials said.
“The lone suspect would approach store employees, point a handgun at them and demand cash,” the Sheriff’s Department said in a statement.
#LASD MCB “Task Force” Arrests Individual Suspected in Over 20 Recent Southern California Armed Robberies
**SEEKING ANY POSSIBLE ADDITIONAL VICTIMS**
e-mail info and tips to BRTF@LASD.org.https://t.co/NgYsukgqnj pic.twitter.com/8X2O8k0Bvh— LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) December 2, 2019
The Sheriff’s Department’s Burglary-Robbery Task Force investigators used information by witnesses and collaborated with local patrol deputies to identify and eventually arrest Samuel. Investigators were able to identify two vehicles Samuel allegedly used during the robberies.
After he was arrested, detectives discovered a firearm, clothing worn and cash, all believed to be related to the crimes, the Sheriff’s Department said.
Samuel is a documented criminal street gang member, with prior felony convictions including robbery and weapons violations, according to officials. He was on parole for a previous robbery conviction at the time of his arrest on Nov. 20, they said.
“He will soon be transferred into federal custody where he faces felony indictments for the multiple recent armed robberies,” the Sheriff’s Department said. “If convicted, he is facing over 100 years in federal prison.”