A 49-year-old man wanted in connection with three violent attempted carjackings of women at East Los Angeles gas stations has been taken into custody, authorities confirmed to KTLA.
The entire Nov. 9 incident was recorded on surveillance cameras and occurred between 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. in Lincoln Heights and Boyle Heights.
The suspect, identified as Maurice LaTorre, a violent and dangerous man, admitted himself to Los Angeles General Medical Center for treatment and was recognized by hospital staff, authorities said.
“A nurse called 911 and identified the suspect,” Los Angeles Police Department officials said at a news conference Thursday. “Officers responded and were able to positively identify the suspect.”
It added that the 49-year-old man suffers from mental illness, but the extent of the illness is unknown.
Maurice LaTorre, 49, is wanted in connection with an attempted carjacking of three people in East Los Angeles on November 9, 2024 (LAPD) Surveillance footage of Maurice LaTorre, 49, attempting to carjack a car. (LAPD) Surveillance video of Maurice LaTorre, 49, attempting to carjack a victim on November 9, 2024 (LAPD) Maurice LaTorre, 49, attempting to carjack a victim on November 9, 2024 (LAPD) Surveillance video (LAPD) of Maurice (20 years old) Latorre, 49, attempting to carjack a victim on November 9, 2024 (LAPD) Surveillance footage of Maurice Latorre, 49, attempting to carjack a victim on November 9, 2024. (LAPD) Surveillance video of Maurice Latorre (49 years old) 2024 Attempted to carjack the victim on November 9, 2019 (LAPD)
Just a day earlier, the Los Angeles Police Department released photos of Latorre and surveillance video of the attack to warn the public while he was still at large.
“All three victims were female,” Los Angeles Police Department Detective Sgt. Jose Díaz-Ibarra said. “Two of the victims actually had children at the time of the attempted robbery. He had no weapons that we know of, just brawn. I once tried to break a window with a metal object.
While local residents said they were relieved Latorre was behind bars, some said they were still worried.
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“It’s scary knowing it was right in front of my house,” one resident, who did not want to be identified, told KTLA. “My sister also lives in that building and always pumps gas there, so I told her to be careful to wear pepper spray and other safety stuff.”
“Our ultimate goal is to be able to successfully prosecute this individual and to contact the victim and let them know he is in custody,” police said at a news conference. . It will help their recovery. ”
Two of the 49-year-old victims suffered minor injuries in the horrific assault but are expected to recover.
