COMPTON – Four suspects who’d been involved in a bloody armed commercial robbery on April 3rd, 2022 have been the focus of Los Angeles County Sheriffs (LASD) Investigators ever since. The quartet’s attempt to hold up a business on the 1500 block of S. Wilmington Avenue has provided varied dire results for all involved.
First, the four individuals entered the “Smoke Shop” at 6:54 PM, drew their guns, and pointed them at an employee. In an attempt to thwart tragedy, that employee – the business’ armed security guard – withdrew his handgun.
A gun battle commenced. As shots fired, the suspects began to exit the smoke shop, then fled the scene.
“The employee sustained gunshot wounds to his face and neck and was later released from the hospital,” said Deputy David Yoo. “About 30 minutes after the botched robbery, deputies responded to Martin Luther King Hospital regarding a gunshot victim.”
At this point, Investigators discovered that a link to the robbery was in their midst. The gunshot victim was one of the “Smoke Shop” robbers, who’d been shot in the crossfire.
The next day, LASD apprehended the 2nd suspect. In addition, on April 4th, Kahlel Lundy and Keith Rachel were identified as participants in the robbery.
Kahlel Lundy (left) and Keith Rachel (right)
At this juncture – LASD Homicide Bureau is seeking the public’s assistance in locating the pair. The dangerous armed duo is wanted for murder, and are currently at large.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. To provide information anonymously, call “Crime Stoppers” (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or via the website http://lacrimestoppers.org
