Window Smash Suspect Arrested NR12328kr

Los Angeles:  West Valley Burglary and Narcotics Detectives have made an arrest in a rash of window smashes along the Ventura Boulevard Corridor.

On July 12, 2012, in the early morning detectives served a search warrant at the Encino home of 58-year-old Michael Steven Poret.  Poret is believed to be responsible for a series of window smashes since the beginning of the year.  The incidents of vandalism had been escalating in recent months.

Most of the crimes occurred along Ventura Boulevard between Haskell Avenue and Balboa Boulevard, but stretched from Sherman Oaks to Woodland Hills.  The majority of incidents happened during hours of darkness, in the early morning or late evening.

Evidence recovered from Poret’s home included bb guns, sling shots, firearms and marbles, similar to the items used in the vandalisms.  He was arrested and booked for felony vandalism and is being held at Van Nuys Jail on $60,000 bail.

Anyone with information about these crimes is asked to contact West Valley Burglary Detectives, William Dunn or Luie Velasquez at 818-374-7730. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).  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 LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.