Wave of Armed Robberies Targets Mercedes Drivers
Police in several West San Gabriel Valley cities are advising drivers of Mercedes-Benz 300 series automobiles to take extra precautions because of a wave of armed robberies over the past two months.
In each case, police say, the cars were taken at gunpoint or knifepoint from drivers who had been followed home or to a dimly lighted parking lot, usually in the evening. Sometimes the attackers ordered the driver to hand over money or jewelry before speeding away in the Mercedes. There were no injuries.
Most of the robberies--which primarily targeted Asian Mercedes drivers--are believed linked to Vietnamese gangs that have committed “follow-home” robberies of Asians at their residences, police said. But they noted that non-Asian criminals also are seeking out Asian victims because of the perception that they may carry large amounts of cash and valuables and have difficulty identifying suspects. “They’re seen as extra-easy victims,” said Monterey Park Police Chief Dan Cross.
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