Behind the Badge
The Garden Grove PD on Wednesday announced the arrest of a suspect in an armed robbery of a medical marijuana dispensary on Monday, and is asking for the public’s help in locating a second suspect.
Edward Hightower, 27, of Long Beach, who was on parole for robbery, was arrested in Paramount on Tuesday, March 22 and booked into Orange County Jail, the Garden Grove PD said in a news release March 23.
Edward Hightower. Photo courtesy of GGPD
Hightower was found in possession of a handgun taken from a security guard during the heist on Monday, March 21, Garden Grove Police said. Another stolen handgun was recovered at his apartment in Long Beach, according to the news release.
The armed robbery occurred just after 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Organic House, 9840 Garden Grove Blvd.
When police arrived officers found three employees who had been robbed at gunpoint.
The two suspects stole “a large quantity of marijuana, cash, the security guard’s firearm and all three employees’ cell phones,” according to the news release.
One of the two African American suspects who entered the business was armed with an Uzi-type handgun, according to video released by the GGPD.
The suspects immediately disarmed the security guard and forced him to the ground. Two female employees also were forced to the ground at gunpoint.
One suspect watched over the three employees while another suspect placed the marijuana into a large duffle bag.
After gathering up the marijuana, the suspects fled the store and drove away in the suspect vehicle.
None of the employees were harmed during the robbery.
The Garden Grove Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying the second suspect.
He is described as an African American male, in his late 20s to early 30s, with a heavy build. The suspect vehicle is a newer model Black Toyota Camry with four doors, chrome rims and unknown license plate.
If anyone has information that will help Garden Grove Police identify the second suspect or others involved, please contact Det. John Casaccia at 714-741-5840. Callers can remain anonymous.
