Long Beach police announced Tuesday that seven people were arrested during an operation that targeted commercial sex work following concerns from the community.

Officials with the Long Beach Police Department said that the operation, which took place throughout March, was undertaken by LBPD North Division patrol officers, the department’s High Crime Focus Team and the Societal Crime Section. Enforcement was conducted along the Long Beach Boulevard corridor.

“[The operation focused] on ongoing community concerns and illegal activity related to commercial sex work and human trafficking,” police said in a media release.

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A total of six people were arrested for solicitation-related offenses. LBPD identified them as:

Briana Hoyem, 31, of Long Beach (arrested March 25 and March 31)

David Lozano, 39, of Los Angeles (arrested March 25)

Azora Mack, 22, of Fresno (arrested March 25)

Eduardo Cortez, 27, of Long Beach (arrested March 25)

Alex Palma, 38, of Long Beach (arrested March 31)

Long Beach police announced that seven people were arrested during an operation that targeted commercial sex work following concerns from the community. (Long Beach PD)

Long Beach police announced that seven people were arrested during an operation that targeted commercial sex work following concerns from the community. (Long Beach PD)

Long Beach police announced that seven people were arrested during an operation that targeted commercial sex work following concerns from the community. (Long Beach PD)

Long Beach police announced that seven people were arrested during an operation that targeted commercial sex work following concerns from the community. (Long Beach PD)

An additional arrest was made in a separate case involving commercial sex activity in the 6400 block of Long Beach Boulevard on March 21, LBPD said.

“Officers responded to the 6400 block of Long Beach Boulevard regarding a robbery. During the investigation, officers learned that a male adult suspect pointed a gun at a commercial sex worker and attempted to rob her,” police explained.

The suspect, 34-year-old Blazie Douglas of Long Beach, was later located and taken into custody. A firearm was recovered, LBPD confirmed.

Douglas was booked for robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, soliciting prostitution and an existing warrant.

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“Efforts like these reflect our continued commitment to addressing illegal activity while prioritizing the safety and dignity of those impacted by exploitation,” said Chief of Police Wally Hebeish. “Through combining proactive enforcement with a victim-centered approach, our officers are working to hold offenders accountable and connect vulnerable individuals with resources that can help them move toward safer circumstances.”

Community members who wish to report suspicious activity should call 562-435-6711 to reach the Long Beach Police Department non-emergency police dispatch. If it is an emergency, call 911.

To submit anonymous tips, call L.A. Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or visit www.LACrimeStoppers.org.

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