Union Rescue Mission Burglarized

****UPDATE****

Detectives have released additional information regarding this burglary: A male suspect was captured on the Rescue Mission’s surveillance video and a suspect description was obtained.

On December 3, 2007, at around 10:30 a.m., Commercial Crimes Division detectives arrested Alvin Synder, 44 years of age, near 5th Street and San Julian. He is being held on a parole hold and $20,000 bail. He had previously been a guest at the Union Rescue Mission.

Detectives did recover some items taken in the burglary, but are asking for the public’s help in locating a vehicle Synder paid cash for with the money taken from the safe. The vehicle is a
2001 Jeep Cherokee, tan in color, with a California license plate of 5LKN401.

Anyone with information should contact Detective Troy Bybee or Ben Black at the numbers listed below.

Los Angeles: Man enters the Union Rescue Mission and burglarizes safe.

On Sunday, December 2, 2007, at around 2:00 a.m., a male suspect entered the second floor of the Mission located at 545 South San Pedro Street. The suspect entered the cashier office where a safe was located. The suspect attacked the safe then removed about $100,000 in cash. A fire was set in the back room in an attempt to destroy evidence. The second floor fire alarm was activated which set off the automatic sprinkler system.

The suspect is described as a male White or Hispanic, 6’0" tall, 200 pounds wearing baggy clothing, black gloves and carrying a black colored back-pack.

The Los Angles City Fire Department, Arson Section, is working with detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detectives Bybee and Black, Commercial Crimes Division, are handling the investigation and may be reached at 213-485-2525. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).