Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass described the armed robbery of “Pretty Little Liars” actor Keegan Allen as “egregious” after the bloodied star publicly urged her and Gov. Gavin Newsom to use California’s extensive surveillance-camera network to identify his attackers.
Allen, 37, criticized the two Democratic leaders late Thursday, hours after he was robbed at gunpoint and knifepoint outside a luxury grocery store in West Hollywood. He questioned whether the city’s controversial Flock camera system could help investigators locate the suspects.
“Let’s hope all these flock cameras that @karenbassla @gavinnewsom and everyone thinks will stop crime can find these very dangerous criminals. God bless,” Allen wrote in an Instagram post Thursday night.
The actor also posted security footage of the confrontation. He said the attack left him bloodied and stripped of his watch, adding that West Hollywood was “not safe anymore.”
“My life for a watch,” Allen said.
Although the Los Angeles mayor’s office and the LAPD do not govern or have direct jurisdiction over West Hollywood, both agencies play significant roles in public safety across Los Angeles and the surrounding region.
“This is egregious — no one should have to experience something like this,” Bass’ office told The California Post. “West Hollywood is an independent city, and the LA County Sheriff’s Department is responsible for leading this investigation. LAPD, as always, will assist regional partners as needed to ensure bad actors are held accountable.”
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said deputies arrived at Laurel Supply at approximately 9:05 p.m. Thursday after receiving a report of a robbery.
Deputies spoke with Allen, who reported that two men dressed in black had confronted him. According to the department, one suspect pointed a “silver handgun” at the actor while the other displayed a knife and demanded his watch and bracelet.
“Shortly after, the victim was struck in the face with the handgun. The suspects obtained the victim’s watch and fled the scene in an unknown vehicle,” the department told The Post.
CHECK THIS OUT: Fake Las Vegas Showgirls Attack Tourist Couple on Strip Over $20
Allen sustained a “laceration to his forehead” but was not taken to the hospital after being evaluated by Los Angeles County Fire personnel. He later said he sought medical care on his own and was “def concussed.”
It is not known whether investigators will rely on Flock cameras to help identify the robbers. The Sheriff’s Department declined to tell The California Post whether the technology would be used in the case.
Flock cameras have been installed throughout Los Angeles and in West Hollywood.
The license-plate-reading cameras have become a major point of controversy in California, particularly over privacy concerns and the potential sharing of data with federal immigration authorities.
Atlanta-based Flock has faced allegations that it shared data with ICE to help locate illegal immigrants. The LAPD suspended its agreement with the company in July as contract negotiations continued.
Bass has also criticized Flock. In August, she said the company had “lost the trust of Angelenos and residents across the country, especially in immigrant communities targeted by the federal administration.”
“There are many companies that provide this technology to cities nationwide,” Bass said in a statement to the Los Angeles Times. “The LAPD needs to identify another company that doesn’t share data.”
Newsom vetoed legislation last year that would have imposed tighter limits on how law enforcement agencies could use the data and added requirements for its handling.
Allen is widely recognized for portraying Toby Cavanaugh on “Pretty Little Liars” from 2010 through 2017. He later played Liam Walker on the drama series “Walker” from 2021 to 2024. His most recent appearance was in an episode of “The Rookie” this year.
