LAPD arrest three suspects wanted in connection to string of follow-home robberies
By Sam Catanzaro
Police have arrested three suspects wanted for a string of follow-home robberies in Los Angeles, including robbing two UCLA students of high end watches and an iPhone, totaling $145,000.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), in early 2021, detectives identified an ongoing crime trend of follow-home robberies.
“The suspects target victims in Los Angeles, follow them, and commit the robberies as the victims go into isolated areas such as a parking lot or as they arrive home,” the LAPD said.
In November, a Follow Home Task Force was created to identify the associated crews of suspects.
On March 30, 2022, around 2:25 a.m., two UCLA students were approached by suspect Matthew Adams and an additional male suspect, armed with guns, outside a residence in the 500 block of Bentley Avenue in West Los Angeles. One victim was struck on the head with a firearm, as the suspects took two high end watches and an iPhone, totaling $145,000.
On January 20, 2022, two male victims were at a nightclub, inside of a hotel, in the 6400 block of Selma Avenue in Hollywood. They left the location and went to pick up food in the 7100 block of Sunset Boulevard. Around 1:50 a.m., while waiting for their food order, the victims parked on Detroit Street north of Sunset Boulevard. One victim exited his vehicle and was immediately approached by Adams, Jayon Sparks and four to five additional suspects armed with handguns. They demanded property and were able to get a watch, jewelry, cash, and a purse from the victims. The suspects fled in three separate vehicles.
On January 14, 2022, two male victims left a nightclub, located in the 700 block of North La Cienega Boulevard, and walked towards their hotel. The victims were visiting Los Angeles from outside of the country. Adams and an unidentified suspect approached the victims and forcibly took property from both victims. Each victim had a high-end watch and other property taken. The suspects fled on foot.
On January 7, 2022, a male victim was followed home from the Hollywood area. The victim was exiting his vehicle in the 900 block of Tufts Avenue, in the City of Burbank, when he was approached by three male suspects armed with handguns. The suspects demanded victim’s property to which he complied with for fear of being harmed.
On January 7, 2022, one male and one female victim were returning home from dining at a high-end restaurant in the 8700 block of Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood. Upon arriving home, the victims observed a vehicle follow them into their parking garage. They parked their vehicle and entered the elevator. As the elevator door was closing, Adams and an unidentified suspect ran into the elevator. One suspect pointed a gun at both victims while Adams forcibly removed victim’s property from his person (watch, wallet, and cell phone). Both suspects then fled the location and the police were notified.
On March 24, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., Sparks and Eric Wilson were detained by LAPD officers. Two firearms were recovered inside their vehicle. Wilson and Sparks were arrested and booked. With the assistance of Metropolitan Division Officers, a search warrant was obtained and served for their apartment, located in the 7300 block of Santa Monica Boulevard, later that evening. Property recovered included identifiable items from previous robberies and multiple weapons.
On March 31, 2022, Adams was arrested during a traffic stop.
On March 28, 2022, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed two counts of robbery and one count of possession of a firearm against Sparks. One count of possession of a firearm was also filed against Wilson. Sparks bail was set at $50,000. Wilson has been released on bond.
On April 4, 2022, Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed multiple charges on Adams, to include seven counts of robbery and two gun enhancements. Adams bail was set at $450,000.
