December 3, 2022
EL MONTE, CA—An African-American man has been charged with 13 counts of robbery in connection with three home invasions that occurred in El Monte last week.
Ajaon Payne, 24, of Compton was charged and a 17-year-old boy was also arrested, according to El Monte police. Authorities believe two more people still remain at-large.
The multiple home invasions occurred during the early morning hours of November 27 on the 2700 block of Potrero Avenue.
One victim told KTLA5 that the thieves were looking for something specific as they went from one home to another and at one point, held a gun to a child’s head.
The suspects tied up a whole family while the father was in the back of the home. They then put a gun to his face, pulled him into a room where his family was, and tied him up as well.
The thieves then broke into a neighbor’s home where at least one warning shot was fired. No one was shot but three people were hospitalized after they were assaulted; one victim was nearly beaten to death and remains in critical condition.
SWAT officers searched the area and eventually apprehended two suspects, Ajaon Payne and his 17-year-old male accomplice. Police believe two more suspects are still at-large. Those remaining suspects are also described as “African American male adults.”
Police are still unclear what the motive behind the multiple home invasions was.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call the El Monte Police Department at 626-580-2100.
Feature Screenshots via KTLA5