Jury Convicts Man in Robbery Attempt

One of five burglary suspects who fled into a Studio City neighborhood last January, prompting a three-hour manhunt, has been convicted of conspiracy to commit robbery.

Alexander Hall, 27, of North Hollywood received his third felony conviction Friday and now faces the possibility of 25 years to life in state prison under the state’s three-strikes law. Hall was arrested Jan. 29 in the 4300 block of Whitsett Avenue after the suspects were discovered in a stolen minivan.

Two other men charged in the incident pleaded guilty and are serving time in state prison. Two others have yet to be caught.

The incident began when a neighbor called police to report suspicious activity. When police arrived they tried to question the men, but the suspects fled into the residential neighborhood. Police launched a manhunt that included helicopters and K-9 units.

“These were gang members who were moments away from committing a take-over robbery,” Deputy Dist. Atty. David Gelfound said. “I think it will bring a measure of relief to the community that these men have been brought to justice.”

Gelfound said the prosecution built its case around Hall’s association with a gang known for committing takeover robberies. He told the jury that “this had all the ingredients for a robbery.”

A police search of the van driven by the suspects turned up one loaded shotgun, a fake gun, several empty pillowcases and ski masks.

Hall is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 9 by Superior Court Judge Darlene Schempp.