​Package Thief Attempts to Evade Arcadia Officers, is Caught in North Hollywood

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

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ARCADIA – An Oxnard man already on probation for robbery was put behind bars December 9 after fleeing officers with a stolen package in tow and attempted to steal a vehicle after breaking into a resident’s home in North Hollywood.

The package, unbeknownst to the suspect, was a bait package featuring a hidden GPS device that alerted officers. The package was taken from the 200 block of East Magna Vista Avenue around 3:13 p.m., according to the Arcadia Police Department.

Officers tracked the suspect’s movements through multiple cities. A brief pursuit was initiated into Burbank, but the chase was cancelled after the reckless suspect crashed into another vehicle and continued to flee, according to the Arcadia Police Department.

A police helicopter was used to track the suspect into North Hollywood where he collided with two parked vehicles. He fled on foot.

“While fleeing, the suspect entered a home in the 6600 block of Lernay Street in North Hollywood. He confronted the resident inside, stole car keys, and ran from the home,” according to the Arcadia Police Department in a written statement. “The suspect attempted to steal a vehicle parked on the street but was unsuccessful.”

Residents chased the suspect who continued to run. He hid in a rear yard in the 6600 block of Morella Avenue in North Hollywood where officers arrested the suspect without further incident.

A search of the suspect’s vehicle revealed the bait package and multiple other pieces of stolen property. He was booked on suspicion of grand theft, evading a peace officer, burglary attempted vehicle theft, hit and run and for multiple outstanding warrants.

The suspect, an Oxnard man, was held in lieu of $360,000 bail.