Survivalist Possibly Linked To A String Of Crimes now Arrested
.Photo: Sheriff McDonnell
CALABASAS – LASD Sheriff Jim McDonnell held a news conference yesterday to the relief of Malibu Canyon and Calabasas residents. A survivalist man, Anthony Rauda (42), is under arrest and believed to be responsible for eight burglaries over the past two years.
Additionally, the rifle-carrying suspect was possibly linked this morning to the tragic murder of a father camping in the canyon this past summer with his young children. In each of the incidents, someone stole food items during the hours of 2:00 AM and 5:00 AM.
First of all, around 10:00 AM yesterday, “Major Crimes Personnel, Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station personnel, members of the LASD Aero Bureau, and members of the Malibu Search and Rescue team deployed resources in the Malibu Canyon area to conduct a detailed search for the suspect and evidence related to the crimes,” said Sheriff McDonnell. “The plan included a coordinated, comprehensive search of a vast area located in the heart of Malibu Canyon.”
Several hours later, investigators followed fresh boot prints. They led to a steep ravine in the area North of Mullholland Highway and West of Las Virgenes Road. Air support and detectives zeroed in within 50 yards. Air support quickly confirmed his location.
As a result, sounds of movement in the heavy brush led to a man in black walking quickly. The man carried a rifle and resembled the suspect in the eight similar burglaries at various locations. Investigators ordered him to drop the rifle, which he finally did after some tense moments of communicating.
At the end of the five-plus hour operation, officers took Rauda into custody without incident at 3:20 PM. With the rifle recovered, authorities booked the suspect for an active no-bail felony parole violation warrant.
