Inglewood Taco Truck Robbers Captured on Video Pistol-Whipping Worker

The Los Angeles Police Department has released video of a recent taco truck robbery in Inglewood, in hopes of capturing the three men involved. The startling video shows the intruders jumping onto the truck and demanding money, cell phones, and wallets from two different employees.

According to the LAPD, the robbery occurred around 3 a.m. on July 14. That’s when the unnamed truck workers were preparing to close up for the night, but were instead rushed by three men in hoodies, who demanded access to the cash from the register. The final deposit had already been made in the truck’s safe, however, and the robbers — one of whom continuously brandished a handgun — were unable to access the cash. Instead they demanded whatever money was available from the men themselves as well as cell phones and wallets, even pistol-whipping one of the men as he kneels on the floor.

The faces of the men involved can be seen clearly on the video, and the LAPD is hoping someone recognizes them and tips off the police. Be warned: The video below does contain some violence.

This latest troubling incident is just one in a growing number of violent robberies against street food workers happening all across Los Angeles, even as the City Council moves to completely legalize street vending in the city. Last year an elote vendor was attacked in Hollywood, and just months ago East L.A.’s popular Tacos Cuernavaca was the site of its own stickup. Meanwhile, other areas of local government continue to crack down on vendors selling food and trinkets in highly visible areas like the Walk of Fame.

• A String of Taco Stand Robberies Has East LA Street Vendors on Edge [ELA]