Century City/ Westwood
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CenturyCity-WestwoodNews.com
Westwood Sporting Goods Store Faces Break-Ins by Disguised Intruder Costumed Assailant Targets Local Business with Repeated BreakIns By Keemia Zhang
Local business Westwood Sporting Goods has reportedly been the subject of break-ins by a recurring, disguised intruder, according to the Los Angeles Police Department and store owner Richard Hartman as reported by KTLA. com. “Somebody’s been trying to break into my shop for probably the last two months [..] It’s getting very annoying.” Hartman expressed. The store has faced “at least seven” attempts by the same costumed assailant. Security camera surveillance footage displayed the man, who wore a mask to hide his identity, dressed up in a sheriff’s deputy outfit as well as a firefighter uniform on two separate occasions. Only one break-in attempt was successful, with the thief fleeing from the scene into an alley at the sound of the store’s alarm as Hartman’s wife called 911. “I drove my van down the alley, jumped out of my car, and said, ‘Hey!’ and he looked at me and started running, so I started chasing him,” Hartman
recounted, with the intruder escaping in a silver 2023 Lexus convertible after police had told him to end his pursuit, in fear that the subject might be armed. “They’ve been sticking screws in my door and breaking it, so I can’t get in the shop,” said Hartman. “I’ve replaced the locks at least five or six times. It’s very frustrating. It’s cost me over $1,000 in locksmith fees.” The LAPD informed Hartman that limited action could be taken toward the break-ins, aside from increasing patrol cars and police presence in the area. The most recent break-in attempt occurred around 4:00 p.m. last Sunday. Hartman remarked that he’d like to tell the intruder to
cease his efforts - “He wants a racket, let me know.” Hartman took over Westwood Sporting Goods, which primarily sells tennis-related equipment, from his stepfather in 1994, with the store celebrating its 90th anniversary next year. The store has retained several historical artifacts on display, including tennis balls signed by famed players and its original 1934 cash register. Since its founding, the store has been providing rackets to UCLA men’s and women’s teams and tennis legends like Jimmy Connors, Arthur Ashe, and Boris Becker. The store, located at 1065 Gayley Ave, is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday.
Attempted Murder Suspect Arrested by LAPD Wilshire Division Detectives Suspect Was Arrested on the 7500 Block of Beverly Boulevard. By Dolores Quintana The Wilshire Major Assault Crimes detectives of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) have announced the arrest of a suspect involved in an attempted murder case. The incident occurred on July 10, 2023, at approximately 1:15 p.m. when LAPD’s Wilshire Division officers responded to a report of an “Ambulance Shooting” near the 100 block of North Vista Street. Upon arrival, officers found a male adult victim with two gunshot wounds to his lower back. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he received medical treatment and is currently in stable condition. Meanwhile, the suspect fled the scene on foot. Continuing their investigation on July 11, 2023, at around 11 a.m., the Wilshire detectives diligently pursued leads that ultimately led to the apprehension of the suspect in the 7500 block of Beverly Boulevard. The arrested
individual has been identified as 36-year-old Sasan Limodim, a resident of Los Angeles. Limodim was booked on charges of Attempted Murder (664/187(a) PC) under Booking No. 669360, with bail set at $2,000,000. Wilshire Major Assault Crimes Detective S. Kazarian, Serial No.42372, urges anyone with information related to this crime to contact them at (213) 922-8237. During non-business hours or on weekends, individuals are advised to call 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). For those who wish to remain anonymous, the
LA Regional Crime Stoppers can be reached at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477), or online at www.lacrimestoppers.org. Alternatively, anonymous tips can be submitted through the LAPD’s website by clicking on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu. Additionally, tipsters may utilize the “P3 Tips” mobile application, selecting the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.
