LAPD says suspect arrested in string of armed robberies of taco trucks in San Fernando Valley

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) — A 22-year-old man suspected of committing a series of armed robberies at food trucks and 7-Eleven stores in the San Fernando Valley and North Hollywood has been taken into custody, police said.

Jesus Garcia-Sotelo allegedly robbed a 7-Eleven and seven taco trucks, including one at the intersection of Foothill and Van Nuys avenues, where $400 was stolen.

Three of those robberies happened overnight, police said.

“He was on post-release community supervision at the time of the arrest. He had a criminal history that included robbery, weapons violations and other crimes,” LAPD Detective Timothy Kirkpatrick said.

Detectives said Garcia-Sotelo threatened the victims with a gun but never opened fire. Investigators said evidence of the robberies, including cash and getaway vehicles, was found at the suspect’s home.

“The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office reported eight robberies with a handgun, two attempted robberies with a handgun, and ten cases of assault with a firearm,” said LAPD Capt. Warner Castillo.

LAPD also announced the arrest of four unnamed suspects in connection with eight ATM thefts in the Mission area. It was learned that the suspects’ ages were between 24 and 40.

Police said the suspects tied a chain around the ATM and used a car to remove the machine from the business.

“This caused small mom-and-pop businesses thousands of dollars in damages and disrupted their daily operations,” said LAPD Lt. Samer Issa.