In a brazen attempt at auto burglary, two suspects were thwarted not by elaborate security systems but by the skepticism of a locksmith called to the scene. The Alhambra Police Department reported that officers had responded to a report of a burglary in progress at the corner of Ninth St. and Front St. A locksmith present at the location became suspicious when asked to unlock a white utility van and chose instead to alert the authorities.
Upon their arrival, the suspects had already left the scene, but law enforcement quickly located them at a 76 gas station on Atlantic and Shorb. The investigation quickly uncovered that the van in question was reported stolen out of Los Angeles. It was then that the officers were able to firmly make an arrest, according to the Alhambra Police Department.
The suspects, identified as Desiree Villobos and Daniel Gomez of Los Angeles, CA, were subsequently booked at APD jail on multiple charges. Further details of the charges have not been disclosed. However, their plan to discreetly secure the vehicle ultimately led to their capture, ironically securing their detention instead.
The incident serves as a cautionary tale for potential criminals and a reminder of the community's role in crime prevention. "They tried to lock in the steal but got locked up instead," the Alhambra Police wryly noted on the Facebook post. While the humor of the situation was not lost on the officials, the serious nature of auto theft remains a pressing concern in the area. The Alhambra Police Department continues to actively investigate the case and encourages the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
