Long Beach detectives have made headway in a spree of burglaries and incidents of vandalism that terrorized local businesses last month. The Long Beach Police Department stated that a series of similar crimes, linked by method and suspect descriptions, led to the apprehension of two young suspects. All incidents featured juvenile perpetrators shattering business storefronts, with two crimes involving a stolen vehicle for transport.
The events unfolded at multiple sites, beginning with a shattered glass door at 5689 Paramount Boulevard on April 6 and concluding with broken windows and doors at adjacent locations on East 2nd Street on April 26. Investigators combined efforts, collecting surveillance footage and conducting interviews, which guided them to a 13-year-old and a 12-year-old, both residents of Long Beach. According to a Long Beach Police Department press release, these individuals have been charged with commercial burglary and related offenses, though they were released due to their juvenile status.
On Monday, searches led by the Burglary Detail at each suspect's residence culminated in their arrests. The 13-year-old was taken into custody and booked before release, while the younger turned himself in the following day. LBPD Chief Wally Hebeish expressed his gratitude for the diligent work of his officers and the cooperation from the community. "These arrests should serve as a reminder that if you choose to engage in criminal activity in our city, you will be held accountable," Hebeish's statement emphasized.
