LA Fashion District store owner pistol-whipped, Rolex stolen in daylight robbery

Two masked men beat and robbed Israeli business owner Ronan Vered outside his Fashion District store, stealing his watch. The attack was caught on security camera.

Broad daylight robbery in LA Fashion District caught on surveillance camera

Two masked men attacked a longtime Los Angeles business owner in front of his Fashion District store Wednesday afternoon, pistol-whipping him and stealing his watch in what NY Post Metro describes as a brazen midday robbery.

Surveillance footage shared online by Israeli Week News shows the two suspects, dressed in black, jumping out of the passenger side of a black sedan and rushing Israeli business owner Ronan Vered as he stood in the doorway of his store on the 1100 block of East 12th Street at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Oct. 21.

The video shows one of the men pressing a gun to Vered's head before both attackers take turns beating him to the ground — with customers still inside the store. One of the suspects then delivers a pistol-whipping blow to Vered's head. Blood is visible on the ground in the footage that followed.

Vered, who is in his 50s, attempts to break free before one suspect pulls a watch from his wrist. The pair then flee in the waiting sedan.

Los Angeles Police Department Public Information Officer Tony Im confirmed that officers responded to a robbery call shortly after 3 p.m. that afternoon. Authorities did not disclose the value of the stolen watch, though the outlet reported it was a Rolex worth approximately $50,000.

A crime bulletin was issued for two Black male suspects wearing black clothing and driving a black sedan, Im said. No arrests have been announced, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Former Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt shared the footage on X on Thursday, writing: "My buddy's neighbor just got robbed and pistol-whipped in broad daylight in downtown LA. Look at how unbothered these animals are. No rush. No fear of getting arrested. Good luck, LA! Ain't nobody coming to help you."

Authorities have not identified the suspects or released a motive.

Source: NY Post Metro