- Armed robbery at Laundry King in North Hollywood shook the community.
- Masked attacker threatened the owner’s wife and demanded the safe.
- Owner Varden Kostanian is weighing 24-hour security, fearing it could bankrupt his business.
Why it matters: The incident highlights rising crime and the financial burden of safety measures on small businesses.
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A violent attempted robbery at a laundromat in North Hollywood on January 21, 2025 left owner Varden Kostanian and his customers shaken. An armed man barged into the Laundry King, wielding a metal pipe or rod, and demanded that employees open the store’s safe. The staff refused, stating they did not have access.
The Incident
Surveillance footage captured the attacker’s sudden entry and the chaos that followed. Moments later, Kostanian’s wife entered the business and became a direct target. “He started shoving people, hitting them, and hitting my wife… throwing her to the ground,” Kostanian said, describing the assault.
- Masked attacker with metal pipe
- Demand for safe access
- Attack on owner’s wife
- Police arrived quickly and arrested the suspect
The attacker was apprehended by LAPD officers who responded to a customer’s call. The suspect’s identity and motive remain under investigation.
Owner’s Response
Kostanian reported that the incident caused a rapid drop in business. “I’ve never seen my laundromat empty like this,” he said. The event has prompted him to reconsider his security protocols.
He currently employs a security guard nightly from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. to address ongoing safety concerns in the area. However, the cost of extending security to 24-hour coverage could push him toward bankruptcy.
> “I have to decide on a different kind of protocol or have security 24 hours but then that means I’m gonna have to go bankrupt paying my security guard. Unbelievable,” Kostanian told reporters.
Security Concerns
Safety issues have been a long-standing problem for the business. Kostanian’s five Laundry King locations across the region have faced similar threats, leading him to adopt a nightly guard schedule.
The owner’s dilemma illustrates a broader challenge for small businesses: balancing the need for safety with the financial realities of maintaining constant protection.
| Current Security | 24-Hour Security | Cost Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Guard 6 p.m.-6 a.m. | Guard 24 h | Potential bankruptcy |
Aftermath and Police Action
The LAPD’s swift response prevented further harm. The suspect was arrested and is currently in custody. The incident has prompted local authorities to review security measures for small businesses in the area.
Kostanian’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for business owners weighing the trade-offs between safety and sustainability. The decision to expand security could mean the difference between staying afloat or closing shop.
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Key Takeaways
- A masked attacker’s violent entry at a North Hollywood laundromat led to a police arrest.
- Owner Varden Kostanian is considering 24-hour security, fearing it could bankrupt his five-location business.
- The incident underscores the ongoing challenge small businesses face in securing their premises without jeopardizing their financial viability.
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References
- Original report by Sophia A. Reynolds for the NBC4 News at 11 p.m. on January 21, 2025.
