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Security camera footage confirms reports of an armed robbery allegedly that occurred at The Lab training studio near the northern edge of WeHo.
The footage shows three assailants armed and attacking a man, identified as Rocco DiStefano, 29, the proprietor of The Lab Athletic Club on Sunset Boulevard. DiStefano experienced this terrifying encounter in broad daylight while walking his dog near his West Hollywood gym.
The surveillance clip depicted the assailants arriving in a black Cadillac sedan, hastily exiting the vehicle, and charging at DiStefano.
DiStefano recounted the harrowing moment: “Three masked individuals charged at me suddenly, one brandishing a firearm.”
Caught on camera, DiStefano attempted to escape, only to be trapped by the assailants near an elevator, who menacingly demanded he surrender his Rolex watch, threatening violence.
Rocco DiStefano, 29, was accompanied by his 4-year-old dog, Hercules, in West Hollywood shortly after the incident on Feb. 28, 2024. Images captured from the scene include the menacing approach of the three gunmen outside DiStefano’s gym, their vehicle, and the targeted luxury watch.
In a defiant act, DiStefano gripped his watch, enduring a physical assault as the attackers struck and threatened him.
“I was overwhelmed with adrenaline as they attacked, fearing for my life,” DiStefano shared. Despite the intimidation, DiStefano leveraged his boxing experience, managing to repel the attackers and escape to a neighboring establishment.
Ultimately, the attackers fled empty-handed to their vehicle and hastily departed from the scene.
In the aftermath, DiStefano sustained minor injuries but remained resolute in not letting fear dictate his life, advocating awareness in wearing valuable items.
DiStefano and his dog, Hercules, who was fortunately unharmed, were later reunited, both safe after the ordeal.
Law enforcement is actively investigating, with potential additional evidence from a Metro bus that may have recorded the suspects’ vehicle and their identities.
The search continues for the three perpetrators and their accomplice driver. The West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station is urging anyone with information to come forward and contact them at 310-855-8850.
Wear it and they will come.
This is absolutely horrifying and in broad daylight, no less. It was very fortunate that the victim was young, a gym owner, bodybuilder, etc. If the victim was a Senior Citizen or in some way disabled, it could likely be curtains or very serious injury for that person. With the increase in crime, no matter what the time of day, why doesn’t the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Department conduct sting operations? Have an officer perhaps wear a jacket and tie plus some really nice jewelry and casually walk on various high traffic streets with, of course, backup officers discretely watching from… Read more »
The wise thing is to do what they say. Give up the goods. Chances are, you will be good. That is all they are after. The flash. Is it worth your life? This isn’t a new phenomenom. The violence has just been jacked up.
That is probably what the cops would advise you to do.
Or apply for a concealed weapons permit and be responsible for your own safety.
He was definitely targeted and likely followed/set up. They knew exactly what they were going for running up on him ignoring others walking around while yelling, “Take it off! Take it off!” He said it himself with really just needing to not care to wear expensive designer items.
Thieves drive here because people flash their wealth and are targets. Don’t flash your wealth and you’re likely going to not have problems. People should be able to flash their cash, but it sadly isn’t the world we live in.