LANCASTER – As the AV Times reported last week, would-be robbers shot into the car of a couple traveling with young grandchildren at the Stater Bros. parking lot in East Lancaster.
Three suspects have been arrested in connection with that incident, and authorities are investigating if the crime was part of a gang initiation, Lancaster Community Relations Deputy Miguel Ruiz said Wednesday.
“All three suspects do have gang ties,” Ruiz said.
The suspects are 22-year-old Albert Smith, 18-year-old Tyler Kircher, and a 17-year-old boy, according to Ruiz.
Investigators have also linked the trio to an armed robbery and attempted carjacking that happened across the street less than a half hour before the Stater Bros. incident, Ruiz said.
The first incident happened around 11:55 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20 in the Jack in the Box parking lot on the 1700 block of East Avenue J.
Armed robbers stole personal items from two men and a woman who were sitting in a parked car, Ruiz said. One of the suspects tried to steal the car, but couldn’t because he didn’t know how to drive a stick shift, according to Ruiz. The three suspects then drove off in a silver Pontiac Grand Am.
Around 12:15 a.m. Aug. 21, a couple traveling with young grandchildren from San Jose to Palm Springs stopped at the Stater Bros. parking lot, in the 1800 block of East Avenue J, to rest and get something to eat. The grandfather said two young men confronted and tried to rob him as he walked through the parking lot. (See his interview below)
The victim said he was able to get to the car where his wife and grandchildren sat, but then the would-be robbers tried to pry the door open before firing a gunshot into the car.
The family escaped unharmed and drove to the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station for help.
Within 24 hours of the two incidents, deputies arrested two of the suspects – Tyler Kircher and the 17-year-old boy, according to Ruiz
Detectives with the Robbery Suppression Team, the LAN-CAP Team, and the Operation Safe Streets (Gang) Unit arrested the third suspect, Albert Smith, at an East Lancaster residence Tuesday night, Ruiz said.
The suspects are facing attempted carjacking, robbery, attempted robbery and attempted murder charges, according to Ruiz.
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Previous related story: Grandparents, children shot at while passing through Lancaster
Erica says
I know that 17 teen year old kid.I haven’t seen them in a few years but I have known him and his family since they were little and let me tell you what he did was horrific but his mom is not to blame she was always a good mom and has done her best for him and all of her kids. She has one son that is in College and is doing amazingly well unfortunately Tyler has just turned out to be a very bad kid and that is very sad.. hopefully he gets punished for his crime to the fullest. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims and their families…
Chris says
My father was stabbed and robbed in broad daylight behind the dmv on ave I a few years back. They caught the kids and it was over gang initiation also. They gave them 18 years but their parents should be responsible too. They were defending their pos kids too. They should of got locked up with them for breeding.
Mike says
In what world should parents be held liable for actions they do not commit. I understand you have some strong feelings here I understand. I don’t understand why you would want to punish parents who were probably in denial and or not in there right mind or if they were they have every right to stand beside there family. Did the parents commit a crime by supporting there sons/daughters. Would you make it a crime?
What these kids are doing is disgusting heinous and unjust but still I do not blame the parents. I do however blame the young adult and at this age there is no one else to blame. At about 11 I was started making choices that have led my life to this point and it wasn’t all ice cream and cake, it isn’t for anyone.
Dante Hairston says
Even if these scumbags get convicted of anything they’ll be back out on the streets in no time doing the same thing.
Daniel says
So much work to deal with these criminals and then they get released in a short time; how sad. I’m glad the victims are not badly injured and I’m glad to hear the criminals were too dumb to know how to drive a stick. Unfortunately, that deterrent will not always work. The Mc Donald’s at Stater Brothers should get more police patrol or security. Some day we may feel safe in Lancaster and Palmdale but, not today.
mike says
I’m sure they will get probation and be out next week doing the same thing. I hope not.
Doxie Girl says
Great job deputies!
ranesha says
They wuda been dead shot n at the car with my children in it so sick
DL says
Glad they caught these losers!!!!! Before they got more aggressive and actually did kill someone.
palmdaleguy says
Pack a gun, defend yourselfs!
EP says
It’s hard to believe the East Lancaster could make a change for the worse so fast… Maybe I should arm myself.. The Mc Donald’s in the Stater Bros. parking lot is the worst… Unruly kids in there all the time.. I don’t bite my tongue when I see youngsters acting stupid.. They should release pictures if the suspects too… That way the public could be a help to the Sheriff in the future…
Just Saying says
And THAT, is why I always drive a stick Shift!
Mark says
Their parents should be fined for spawning such slime
Leslie says
EXACTLY!!!
bast says
Or at least prevented from making more micreants! These crimes will be fewer if we stop our state sponsored breeding programs! Reward those who opt out of procreating and spay and neuter those worse than ferral cats (even wild animals at least provide care for their young).