Injured Man in Playa Del Rey Arrested for Multiple Charges NR14071rh

Playa Del Rey: A suspect has been arrested for multiple crimes that occurred at the Southern California Gas Storage Facility.

On February 17, 2014, around 12:30 a.m., the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a gas leak at the Southern California Gas Storage Facility in the 8100 block of Gulana Avenue in the city of Playa Del Rey.  After the gas leak was contained, an investigation was conducted by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Major Crimes Division.

It was determined that an unknown suspect entered the location, damaged property and stole a vehicle belonging to the Southern California Gas Company.  He collided the vehicle into equipment causing the gas leak.

During the investigation, detectives from LAPD’s Major Crimes Division, Criminal Investigation Section, followed up on a lead and located James Viramontez Cogley, a 22-year-old resident of Paso Robles at a nearby hospital.  He was being treated for injuries consistent with being involved in multiple traffic collisions, linked with evidence left at the numerous crime scenes.

On February 18, 2014, at approximately 1:00 p.m., Suspect Cogley, was arrested for Grand Theft Auto 487 (D) 1 – Penal Code Section (PC) and Felony Vandalism 594 (A) PC.

On Thursday, February 20, 2014, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office added the following charges, Attempted Arson 664/451 PC and Auto Theft 10851 (A) Vehicle Code Section (VC).

Suspect James Viramontez Cogley’s Bail Amount is set at $100,000.

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact LAPD Major Crimes Division, Criminal Investigation Section at (213) 486-7220.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to www.LAPDOnline.org click on "web tips" and follow the prompts.