Organized Burglary Crew Arrested NR18101ti

Van Nuys: On March 28, 2018, around 8:05 p.m., detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s, Major Crimes Bureau, Burglary-Robbery Task Force (BRTF), observed two suspects commit a residential burglary in Van Nuys. BRTF investigators believed these suspects were likely related to numerous recent San Fernando Valley area residential “Organized Burglary Crew” type burglaries. The detectives observed the suspects, who were in a white 2003 Audi A4 Sedan, slowly driving through neighborhoods. Detectives observed the Audi parked along the curb near the 7400 block of McLennan Avenue. After several minutes, detectives watched both suspects emerge from the front door of a single-family residence. One of the suspects was carrying a safe and the other was carrying a pillow case back to the Audi.

As this transpired, BRTF detectives coordinated with uniformed police officers from the Los Angeles Police Department’s West Valley Area who were nearby to assist. As the suspects fled the neighborhood, BRTF detectives confirmed the home had in fact been burglarized, evident by a smashed bedroom window and the home being ransacked.

Los Angeles Police Department’s uniformed officers responded and initiated a high-risk traffic stop of the Audi. A vehicle pursuit ensued leading officers from the San Fernando Valley to the parking structure of a hospital near La Cienega Boulevard and the 10 Freeway. A short time later, Trent Harris was arrested on the hospital grounds and David Brown was arrested walking away from the hospital property. Both were arrested without incident and approximately $3,000 worth of stolen property (cash and jewelry), including a safe which contained a loaded firearm was recovered from within the Audi.

The arrestees were transported and booked at Los Angeles Police Department Van Nuys Jail.

Arrestee Trent Harris, 27 years-old of Los Angeles CA, Booking No. 5269534, was booked on charges of Residential Burglary (459 PC) and Felony Police Evading (2800.2 VC). He is being held in custody with a $85,000 bail.

Arrestee David Brown, 28 years-old of Rialto CA, Booking No. 5269545, was booked on charges of Residential Burglary (459 PC) and Felony Police Evading (2800.2 VC). He is being held in custody with a $50,100 bail.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Department BRTF detectives are handling the criminal filing and ongoing investigation of this organized burglary crew. With assistance from Los Angeles Police Department West Valley detectives, Sheriff detectives will determine if these arrestees committed any other burglaries in the San Fernando Valley.

The investigation and arrest of this residential burglary crew is an example of the ongoing cooperation and collaboration between the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department and Los Angeles Police Department as each agency is committed to impacting the Southern California wide residential burglary epidemic. The Los Angeles County Sheriff Department Major Crimes Bureau’s Burglary-Robbery Task Force works closely and consistently with Los Angeles Police Department West Valley Detective Division to identify, investigate and arrest organized burglary crew members.

Anyone with information related to this criminal activity is urged to call Detective William Dunn, West Valley Burglary Table, at (818) 374-7730. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7(1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.