Burglars Casing on BMX Bikes Return to the Scene of the Crime
CLAREMONT – A burglary investigation of a building on the 400 block of West Arrow Highway was helped greatly by a proactive victim with video surveillance evidence.
Officers were presented with footage of two subjects casing the business on BMX bicycles on February 8 at 11:45 PM. At 3 AM, a white Toyota Corolla ferried the duo to return and plunder the business.
Seven hours later the burglarized victim was monitoring surveillance and saw the two burglars return to the property. Immediate proactivity produced photos sent to patrol officers.
An officer found the first subject riding his BMX bike, west of the business on Arrow Highway. That rider was immediately detained.
The second BMX-riding suspect was located heading east through the Chevron gas station at Arrow Highway and Indian Hill Blvd. He was located and detained by another nearby officer.
Within 25 minutes of the original call of service, both burglars were ID’d and arrested for burglary. The vehicle was determined to be stolen.
As a result, Richard Valenzuela (53) of Pomona and Can Phao (34) of Pomona were behind bars at Claremont City Jail.
Many thanks to Council Member Ed Reece – Claremont’s former Police Commissioner, who provided the news alert – for encouraging the community to stay proactive and alert law enforcement.
