Before speaking out about the increase in violent crime in Los Angeles, television host Camille Anderson experienced a robbery while out in Beverly Hills.
On a Saturday night, she and friends were walking near a popular restaurant when they were approached by “several grown adult men” from an alley, as she recounted to her Instagram followers on Wednesday.
Anderson, 47, noted that the robbery attempt escalated when she tried to resist an attacker around 9 p.m. at the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and Canon Drive.
“Someone came out of the alley,” she told a local news outlet. “It all happened so fast. They rushed me and tried to grab my wallet. I was really nervous—just my instinct kicked in.”
She said the thief’s first attempt to snatch her wallet failed, but the assailant threw her to the ground with significant force. “I hit the ground hard,” she recalled.
The suspects managed to escape in a waiting getaway car, but Anderson’s screams drew the attention of bystanders who promptly called 911.
Police were able to locate the suspect within ten minutes. Following this, Anderson identified three men, Vlad Oganisyan (23), Razmik Papikyan (25), and Grigoryan Vahagn (45), who were arrested and charged with robbery.
Anderson emerged from the incident with only minor bruises and scratches.
Records indicate that the three suspects were booked on felony charges and taken into custody shortly after. They may also face charges related to conspiracy, as the investigation continues with the Beverly Hills Police Department.
Anderson speculates that the suspects had targeted someone that night, perhaps keeping an eye on her group. “It didn’t seem like it was personal. I think I just had a nice wallet and watch,” she shared.
She has been vocal about the rise in crime rates in her neighborhood post-robbery, emphasizing safety as a crucial issue. “I want to get the message out that we need to take safety seriously in Los Angeles. It’s just really sad to have been robbed in Beverly Hills,” she expressed.
Reflecting on her emotions following the incident, Anderson stated, “I took some time to process it, and now I’m just angry. Angry that these individuals don’t value human life over material things.”
She praised LA County’s new District Attorney, Nathan Hochman, for taking a strong stance against crime since his election. “He really seems to take this very seriously. Let’s see how this unfolds,” she commented.
Having lived in Los Angeles for a significant time, Anderson noted the changes she’s seen and called for her fellow residents to address violent crime concerns. “How can I prevent this from happening again?” she reflected. “I was fortunate to walk away with just some bruises, but others might not be so lucky. This needs to be a broader discussion.”
