Suspect arrested after AutoZone rampage, police chase

A man was arrested in connection with the vandalism of an AutoZone earlier this week and for leading police on a car chase through Los Angeles, authorities said Friday.

Danny Sanchez, 24, was charged with organized retail theft, fleeing the motor vehicle of a pursuing peace officer while driving recklessly and second-degree burglary, a the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said in a press release.

“Mr. Sanchez’s alleged actions are part of a disturbing trend that not only harms local businesses, but also endangers the safety and security of our community,” Dist. Atty. George Gascón said in a statement. “Such brazen behavior will not be tolerated.”

Sanchez, police said, was among a crowd of people who broke into an automatic zone around 1:30 a.m. Monday, near Century Boulevard and Hoover Street, and stole more than $1,000 from goods. Sanchez then allegedly fled the scene, leading police on a car chase.

Authorities eventually arrested him and recovered the stolen goods.

Sanchez pleaded not guilty to the charges Wednesday and is scheduled to appear June 27 at the Compton courthouse, authorities said. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of three years and eight months in prison.

The burglary at AutoZone occurred after a takeover on a street near the store, police said. Video from the scene shows a crowd of about 50 people near the storefront, many of them covering their faces with hoodies and masks. They opened the security gate and forced their way in before fleeing with stolen goods.