During a search of a Beverly Hills residence in relation to a $1m watch robbery, investigators discovered a handgun that belonged to Christopher Dorner, a former police officer responsible for a deadly rampage in 2013.
A strange twist of plot occurred when two individuals from South America were charged with the theft of a Patek Philippe watch from a man enjoying a meal with his family on the patio of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on August 7.
Three days later, law enforcement discovered a firearm that was registered to Dorner during their search of an Airbnb where the individuals in question were believed to have lodged. In 2013, four individuals tragically lost their lives during a series of violent incidents involving Dorner, a former Los Angeles police officer.
Tragically, he met his demise during a confrontation with law enforcement in the scenic San Bernardino Mountains of California.
Two individuals, one from Colombia and the other from Venezuela, were apprehended on August 10 for their alleged involvement in a robbery. They were stopped in a car and taken into custody.
Salazar has been charged with interference with commerce by robbery and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Additionally, Rojas is facing charges for allegedly conspiring to commit Hobbs Act robbery.
It remains unclear how the gun ended up in the possession of the men, as reported by KABC.
“We were very surprised to find out about that gun, and we’re still investigating how that gun came into these defendants’ possession,” Assistant US Attorney Jena MacCabe told KABC.
Another luxury watch had already been linked to the suspects. Their car, a Chevrolet Equinox, was connected to the robbery of a $30,000 Rolex in Beverly Hills prior to their alleged theft of the Patek Philippe accessory.
The men are currently in custody and are scheduled to appear in court for arraignment next month.