O-003-13 Urgency ordinance to expressly define and prohibit the operation of medical marijuana dispensaries and mobile marijuana dispensaries in the city

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W 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 WHEREAS, Mobile dispensaries have been strongly associated with criminal activity. Delivery drivers, for example, are targets of armed robbers who seek cash and drugs. As a result, many of the drivers reportedly carry weapons or have armed guards as protection. Examples of such criminal activity reported in the media include the following: a. In February of 2013, a Temecula deliveryman was reportedly robbed of cash outside of a Denny's restaurant, which led to a vehicular chase that continued until the robbers' vehicle eventually crashed on a freeway on ramp. b. In January of 2013, marijuana deliverymen in Imperial Beach were reportedly robbed after being stopped by assailants (one with a brandished semi- automatic handgun) after making a stop. C. In January 2013, a deliveryman was reportedly robbed of three ounces of marijuana while making a delivery outside a Carl's Jr. restaurant in Riverside, and he told police that the suspect may have had a gun. d. In May of 2012, a 23 -year-old deliverywoman in La Mesa was reportedly shot in the face with a pellet gun. After running away, the assailants carjacked her vehicle. e. In March of 2012, a West Covina deliveryman was reportedly robbed after making a delivery. The deliveryman told police that he was approached by two subjects in ninja costumes who chased him with batons. He was scared and dropped a bag with some marijuana and money, which was taken by the suspects. f In August of 2011, a medical marijuana deliveryman was reportedly robbed of $20,000 worth of his marijuana (approximately 9 pounds) and a cellular phone in Fullerton. The driver suffered a head cut during the crime. g. In June of 2011, a marijuana delivery from a Los Angeles mobile dispensary turned deadly in Orange County when four individuals reportedly ambushed the mobile dispensary driver and his armed security guard and tried to rob them. One of the suspects approached the delivery vehicle and confronted the driver and a struggle ensued. A second suspect armed with a handgun, approached the security guard, who fired at the suspect hitting him multiple times. h. In April of 2011, a customer reportedly made arrangements for a medical marijuana deliveryman to meet him in a Safeway parking lot in Salinas. The deliveryman had about $1,000 in cash and 1.5 pounds of marijuana. As the deliveryman began weighing the order, he looked up and saw a silver handgun in his face. The customer stole money and marijuana. The judge sentenced the customer to five years in state prison. i. In May of 2010, a college student who delivers medical marijuana door-to- door was reportedly robbed at gunpoint in Richmond. The assailants took $1,000 in cash and a pound of marijuana; and BIB