![Police investigate the scene after an armed robbery involving pepper spray at a long-term parking facility near LAX. [KTLA capture/RMG News]](https://www.koreadailyus.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/0129-LAX.jpg)
An armed robbery involving the use of pepper spray occurred at a long-term parking facility near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), prompting authorities to urge heightened caution among travelers.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), a man in his 50s was robbed at around 8:15 p.m. on January 27 at Joe’s Airport Parking, a parking structure located in the 6100 block of West Century Boulevard near LAX. The victim was found inside his vehicle bound with duct tape commonly used for packaging or repairs and told police that his wallet and jewelry had been stolen. The total loss was estimated at approximately $400,000.
Police said the victim was inside his vehicle when an armed man wearing a mask approached, sprayed him with pepper spray, and pointed a gun at his face. The suspect then bound the victim’s body and feet with tape before fleeing the scene.
Authorities said the victim had visited the Downtown Los Angeles Jewelry District earlier that morning and was traveling by car in the afternoon to sell jewelry. The robbery occurred while he was waiting inside his vehicle at the parking facility in the evening.
After the suspect left, the victim repeatedly honked his car horn to seek help. A bystander heard the horn and contacted authorities, leading to the victim’s rescue. The victim remained conscious but complained of breathing difficulties. Paramedics provided emergency treatment before transporting him to a hospital. His injuries were not considered life-threatening.
The suspect is described as a White male wearing a hat and black top and bottom clothing. As of the morning of the 28th, police had not made an arrest and said they were continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crime and the suspect’s escape route.
BY HANKIL KANG [kang.hankil@koreadaily.com]
