Los Angeles, Ca
Mexican restaurant in Southern California hit by thieves 5 times in 3 years
A burglary attempt at a Long Beach restaurant last week marks the fifth time the Mexican food grill has been hit since opening three years ago.
The Nov. 6 incident unfolded in the early morning hours, with the establishment’s surveillance cameras capturing two hooded suspects exiting an Infinity and attempting to smash their way through the restaurant’s front glass with what appeared to be a crowbar.
“Then they start knocking on the glass,” Cynthia Zaragoza explained to KTLA’s Carlos Saucedo. “They’re unable to break it.”
Because La Esquinta Mexican Grill on Willow Street has been broken into many other times, the owner invested in shatterproof glass. Even with these types of protections, it hasn’t stopped criminals from targeting the restaurant.
“It’s a huge setback,” Zaragoza said. “I mean, it’s not like we’re making thousands in profits with everything, the cost of living being so high. It’s hard to come back from this.”
Owner Erik Vasquez told KTLA in Spanish that despite the setbacks, he is still pulling through but wants more help from local authorities.
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Two suspects seen trying to break into a Mexican restaurant in Long Beach on Nov. 6, 2024. (viewer image) -
Two suspects seen trying to break into a Mexican restaurant in Long Beach on Nov. 6, 2024. (viewer image)
On Tuesday, Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, along with state officials, walked through downtown, looking for and discussing ways of revitalizing the struggling business corridor. An estimated 100 businesses have left the area since the height of the pandemic.
“We’re looking forward as we update our downtown plan, our shoreline plan,” the mayor said. “What’s the future look like?”
People who live and work in downtown Long Beach say that crime and homelessness are major factors in driving out businesses.
“It’s definitely scaring customers away,” Carla Magana, who works in Long Beach, told KTLA. “We’re very fearful to walk to our cars.”
The goal, according to officials, is to get a handle on the crime rate, but many downtown businesses and residents wonder if it’s already too late.
“To the thieves, I promise you, there is nothing of value you can take in here. We leave the register open on purpose so they can see there is no cash, nothing on the premises,” Zaragoza said. “Hopefully, now, there’s a little more punishment for this. Otherwise, I don’t know how long we can stay open if things like this keep happening.”
A GoFundMe campaign has been organized for La Esquinta Mexican Grill as works to repair the damage done to the restaurant yet again.
A former Riverside County man was found guilty of sex trafficking a female victim and forcing her to engage in commercial sex acts along L.A.’s notorious Figueroa Corridor.
Elias Abdul Shabazz, 34, formerly of Perris, was found guilty by a jury following a five-day trial, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
Prosecutors said Shabazz had led the victim to believe they were in a romantic relationship before he turned physically and sexually violent. He began demanding that the victim engage in commercial sex acts from May to October of 2021, court documents said.
He carried a handgun with him and, on occasion, was accused of using it to pistol-whip the victim. He also fired the gun at her feet while threatening to kill her, prosecutors said.
At trial, the victim said Shabazz demanded that she meet a daily quota of commercial sex proceeds and that she was terrified of the consequences of not meeting that quota.
She testified that Shabazz compelled her to work in the notorious Figueroa Corridor in South L.A., a dangerous area known for human trafficking and prostitution.
Shabazz had confiscated her identification card, Social Security card and birth certificate. He constantly monitored her cell phone to stop her from communicating with any friends or family.
“He also introduced her to addictive narcotics and controlled every aspect of her life, including when she ate, slept and showered,” prosecutors said.
In May 2025, Shabazz was arrested and has remained in federal custody. His last known address at the time was in Washington, D.C.
On June 26, 2026, Shabazz was found guilty of one count of coercing or enticing interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct. 6, where he faces 15 years to life in prison.
“Sex trafficking matters rank among the most tragic cases our office prosecutes,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli. “This defendant will now face many years in a federal prison cell for his sick, disgusting, and disturbing behavior.”
“Elias Shabazz preyed on a vulnerable victim using physical and sexual violence and cruel psychological coercion to compel commercial sex acts for his own profit,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “There is no place for this type of conduct in civilized society. We deeply respect the victim’s courage to face her trafficker in court. The Criminal Division will continue to bring these cases and try them.”
Anyone with information about human trafficking can report tips to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888
The star-studded feel-good giveback event of the summer has returned. KTLA 5 is teaming up once again with Project Angel Food for the annual “Lead with Love: Going the Distance” telethon to raise critical funds for medically tailored meals delivered to people living with serious illnesses throughout Los Angeles County. The seventh annual telethon airs […]
A woman was hospitalized with serious injuries after she was violently attacked by a robber in downtown Long Beach. On June 18, Jennifer Silva, 34, was attending a World Cup watch party at a Hooters restaurant at 90 Aquarium Way. After the game ended, she left the restaurant just before 11 p.m. As she walked […]
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