Culver City police have arrested four people connected to a violent assault and robbery that took place at the Westfield Culver City shopping center earlier this week, leaving a man seriously hurt and two young children knocked from their stroller.
According to a release from the Culver City Police Department, officers responded to the mall in the 6000 block of Sepulveda Boulevard around 4:40 p.m. on Monday after receiving reports that a group of teenagers was harassing shoppers. What started as harassment quickly turned violent. Police say the group attacked a man, causing serious injuries, before turning on his girlfriend and stealing her jewelry. She suffered minor injuries in the struggle.
The most disturbing detail from the incident involves the couple’s two young children, who were riding in a stroller during the robbery. Police confirmed the children were knocked out of the stroller as the chaos unfolded, though it remains unclear whether they suffered any physical injuries.
How Investigators Tracked Down the Suspects
Detectives moved fast once the case landed on their desks. By reviewing mall surveillance footage and following up on leads generated from the investigation, officers were able to identify and locate four suspects believed to be connected to the attack. All four were found in Los Angeles.
On Wednesday, police announced the arrests. Two of those taken into custody were juveniles, whose names were not released due to their age.
The two adult suspects were identified as 24-year-old Keira Willis and 18-year-old Zahier Frazier of Panorama City. Both adults were booked on suspicion of robbery.
Search Continues for Additional Suspects
Investigators believe more people may have played a role in the assault and robbery. Culver City police said the investigation remains active, and detectives are still working to identify and locate any additional suspects who may have been involved.
Anyone with information about the incident, including witnesses who may not have come forward yet, is asked to contact Investigations Lieutenant Ryan Thompson at 310 253 6302.
The attack has raised fresh concerns among shoppers and residents about safety at Westfield Culver City, a mall that draws large crowds of families, especially during evening hours when the incident occurred.
Community members have voiced alarm online since the news broke, with many questioning how a group of teens could carry out such a brazen assault in a public shopping center without immediate intervention.
Culver City police have not released additional details about a possible motive behind the attack, and the investigation into the case is ongoing as authorities continue working to bring the remaining suspects into custody.
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