Eight Youths, Adult Arrested in 34 Robberies

An adult and eight youths were arrested this week in connection with 34 armed robberies that have occurred since January in the San Gabriel Valley and nearby areas.

Alhambra police arrested Joey Hernandez, Michael Avila and Bryan Friedman, all 18, and Abraham Gonzales, 19, after they saw the four in a car similar to one seen at one of the holdups, said Los Angeles County sheriff’s spokesman Gabe Ramirez.

Temple City sheriff’s detectives later served warrants at seven locations, arresting Juan Jabonero, 18; Victor Hernandez, 38, two 17-year-olds and a 15-year-old. Fifteen handguns, $5,500 in cash and a ski mask were seized.

Five other suspects were already in custody, Ramirez said. Half of the holdups took place in Monterey Park and the others in Alhambra, City of Commerce, Hacienda Heights, Montebello and Rosemead. In a March 4 robbery, three teen-age waitresses were shot at Paul’s Kitchen in Monterey Park. The three remain hospitalized, Ramirez said.