A month-long operation in Long Beach geared toward combating commercial sex work and human trafficking has resulted in the arrests of six people on suspicion of solicitation-related offenses, authorities said Tuesday.
Throughout March, patrol officers from the Long Beach Police Department’s North Division and High Crime Focus Team concentrated their efforts along the Long Beach Boulevard corridor.
The suspects are Briana Hoyem, 28; David Lozana, 39, of Los Angeles; Azora Mack, 22, of Fresno; and Long Beach residents Alex Parma, 38, and Eduardo Cortez.
Also arrested was Blazie Douglas, 34. Police said officers responded to a report of a robbery at about 12:30 a.m. on March 21 in the 6400 block of Long Beach Boulevard, and located a suspect who allegedly pointed a gun at a commercial sex worker and tried to rob her.
Douglas was arrested on suspicion of robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, soliciting prostitution and an existing warrant, and was being held without bail.
Three vehicles were also towed during the operation, police added.
Anyone with information about possible solicitation-related offenses was urged to call the LBPD at 562-435-6711. Callers who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.