Authorities have announced the arrest of a 33-year-old Los Angeles man in connection to a follow-home robbery and homicide. According to a social media post from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, 42-year-old Nicholas Simbolon arrived home in the 1800 block of Hawkbrook Drive in San Dimas and parked his vehicle in his garage around 6:55 PM on November 28, 2023.

A suspect, now identified as 33-year-old Jerrid Joseph Powell, allegedly entered the garage and robbed the victim of some personal belongings. Authorities say the suspect shot the victim and fled the scene. Mr. Simbolon’s spouse found him unresponsive in the garage and called 911. San Dimas Sheriff’s Deputies and members of the Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to the scene. The victim ultimately succumbed to his injuries.

Homicide Detectives later obtained surveillance footage revealing the victim was likely followed home from an electric vehicle charging station in the 200 block of South Citrus Street in West Covina. Using surveillance footage, homicide detectives were able to identify a vehicle of interest. The vehicle was entered into a database as a “Wanted, Armed and Dangerous” vehicle.

On November 29, 2023, the vehicle was located by the Beverly Hills Police Department. When the vehicle was stopped, Jerrid Joseph Powell was identified as the sole occupant. A gun was recovered from the vehicle. Homicide detectives believe it is likely the gun used in the robbery-murder, but a ballistic examination will be carried out at a later time. Powell was transferred to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and booked for robbery and murder. He is being held with a $2,100,000 bail.

Authorities now say Powell could be linked to the slaying of three homeless people in the Los Angeles area.