A man from South Los Angeles has been arrested on charges related to a series of armed robberies in parking lots across Los Angeles and Orange counties. The Department of Justice announced that Oshae Pollard, 21, is accused of committing multiple robberies, including one where he allegedly shot a victim twice outside the South Coast Plaza shopping mall in Costa Mesa.
Pollard, who resides in the Manchester Square neighborhood of Los Angeles, faces charges of interference with commerce by robbery under the Hobbs Act and using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. He was taken into custody on Wednesday and is set to appear in United States District Court in Santa Ana.
United States Attorney Martin Estrada commented on the case, stating, "The violence alleged in this complaint shocks the conscience. It is essential that we hold perpetrators of violence accountable for victimizing our community."
According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, Pollard's alleged crime spree spanned from August 25 to September 22 and included at least three armed robberies and one attempted armed robbery. The first incident reportedly occurred at Hustler Casino's parking lot in Gardena on August 25. During this robbery, Pollard allegedly assaulted a victim and stole between $1,000 and $2,000.
Subsequent incidents included an early morning robbery on August 26 at Winchell’s Donut House parking lot in Carson, where Pollard and an accomplice reportedly robbed a taxi driver. Later that night at Fashion Island shopping center in Newport Beach, Pollard allegedly targeted two victims near luxury vehicles.
On September 22, Pollard approached another victim at South Coast Plaza's parking lot demanding valuables before allegedly shooting him twice when he did not comply. Despite his injuries, the victim managed to fight back and escape.
Christopher Bombardiere from ATF Los Angeles Field Division praised the investigation led by the ATF Orange County Violent Crime Task Force: "Cases like this highlight the importance of authentic relationships between law enforcement agencies to keep our communities safe."
Kimberly Edds from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office emphasized that these violent crimes impact entire communities: "This arrest continues to send a strong message that crime doesn’t pay in Orange County."
Pollard remains innocent until proven guilty. If convicted on all charges, he could face up to life imprisonment.
Operation Safe Cities aims to target significant drivers of violent crime through strategic enforcement priorities. This approach focuses on increasing arrests and prosecutions related to illicit firearms and violent offenses.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Orange County Violent Crime Task Force is handling this case with assistance from various local police departments. Assistant United States Attorneys Jena A. MacCabe and Kevin J. Butler are prosecuting.