Community Corner

Omar Solano of Van Nuys Gets Honored as Local Hero

Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey will present awards to four local heroes who went beyond expectations to help their fellow man and woman, including a 28-year-old man from Van Nuys.

They wil be receiving on Wednesday, the Courageous Citizen Award. 
The local honoree is:

Omar Solano, 28, of Van Nuys / Case SA082728

Mr. Solano apprehended an ex-convict who tried to steal an iPhone from a pregnant woman as she dined at a Beverly Hills restaurant. 

On Aug. 22, 2012, the victim, a visitor from New York, was speaking on her phone as she waited for her lunch on the restaurant’s patio.  The suspect leapt from the sidewalk over the rail and grabbed at the victim’s phone. 

A struggle ensued.  Mr. Solano, an employee of the restaurant, ran to the victim’s aid and pulled the suspect off her.  Mr. Solano pinned the suspect to the ground and physically restrained him until police arrived.  

Mr. Solano testified clearly and consistently against the defendant, who was convicted of second-degree robbery.  The defendant was sentenced to five years in state prison and was ordered to pay $25,657 in restitution.  The case was investigated by the Beverly Hills Police Department.

“I extend my gratitude to our four Courageous Citizens,” DA Lacey said.  “In each of these cases, the honorees set aside their personal interests for the greater good.  These honorees are remarkable people who have helped the District Attorney’s Office achieve justice and have made Los Angeles County a safer place.” 

The District Attorney’s Office presents Courageous Citizen Awards several times a year to ordinary citizens who have performed extraordinary acts of valor and selflessness in assisting in criminal prosecution, aiding victims, preventing crime and capturing suspects. 


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