Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

POMONA – A barricaded stolen vehicle suspect finally surrendered to police after taking refuge inside an apartment unit January 16.

The incident began around 8:41 a.m. Saturday in the 1700 block of Trojan Way when officers were dispatched to investigate a report of a man suffering mental issues. Officers found a man inside a vehicle that they determined was stolen and the man ran from them, according to the Pomona Police Department.

The man, later identified as Leobardo Hernandez, 32, ran to an apartment complex in the 400 block of East Olive Street. Officers set up a perimeter and determined Hernandez fled into an apartment unit.

“The residents were not home, but were able to monitor his activities via surveillance cameras inside the residence,” according to the Pomona Police Department.

Hernandez allegedly destroyed property inside the apartment, changed into clothes belonging to the residents, shaved himself and used hygiene products to try and change his appearance to pass himself off as a resident of the location, Pomona Police said.

Smoke was seen coming from the unit. It was later discovered that the suspect burned tortillas.

Hernandez eventually surrendered without further incident. He was booked on suspicion of burglary, possessing a stolen vehicle, vandalism and attempted burglary.

 POMONA – A man was jailed Wednesday in a series on vandalisms committed at a Pomona residence.

Through the investigation, detectives learned suspect Mel Fredric Brencius, 47, is suspected committing further vandalism and additional crimes in Hacienda Heights, Fullerton, Irvine, San Dimas and Idyllwild. In addition to vandalism, Brencius is accused of stalking and criminal threats, according to the Pomona Police Department.