Man charged with violent LA Chinatown robbery linked to at least 6 more: cops
By Carl Samson
The man accused of a violent robbery in Los Angeles’ Chinatown that left an elderly worker with a swollen eye may be involved in other robberies, according to police.
Background: Courtland Thornton, 31, was arrested on Oct. 13 for the robbery at Angies Boutique, a smoke shop in the 800 block of N. Broadway, on Sept. 14. The incident, which was caught on surveillance video, saw a man knock 60-year-old Van Huynh to the ground, punch her in the face and get away with two art pieces worth $5,000.
Huynh, who was left bleeding on the floor, suffered a torn eyelid and a fractured cheekbone. She reportedly received 21 stitches and was hospitalized for three days.
What authorities are saying: Los Angeles police suspect Thornton may be responsible for at least six other robberies across the county. They believe he used similar tactics to steal from other victims.
“It was similar,” said Detective Huy Nguyen, as per KABC. “When he was confronted, he would attack the employees. Oftentimes he would produce a weapon, whether a knife or pepper spray. And on some occasions he would threaten he had a gun.”
What’s next: Thorton has been charged with eight counts of robbery and one count of assault, KABC reported. He remains locked up on an $80,000 bail, though records show an additional $1 million in connection with a separate case, according to KTLA.
Huynh, on the other hand, is recovering from the attack. A GoFundMe page has been organized to help with her bills.
Share this Article
Share this Article
