Four theft suspects were arrested in connection with a series of crimes across the San Fernando Valley including destructive ATM thefts, kidnapping, carjacking and burglary.
The suspects were identified as:
- Anthony Cacho, 22, from Los Angeles
- Stephany Gonzalez-Jimenez, 24, from Los Angeles
- Richard Nevarez, 24, from Los Angeles
- Luis Angel Rodriguez-Arroyo, 40, from Santa Clarita
Between Aug. 16 and Oct. 16, the group is allegedly responsible for at least eight ATM burglaries in the Mission Area, one in the West Valley area, two robberies, and cases of kidnapping and carjacking, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
In nearly every burglary, surveillance videos showed the group forcing or smashing their way in through the front doors before heading to an ATM inside and tying a chain around the machine.
They connected the chain to an SUV tow hitch to drag the ATMs outside before loading the machine into the trunk and speeding away, police said.
The ATMs were later found abandoned after the suspects removed the cash from inside.
Detectives investigated the case and later tracked down the suspects involved. On Oct. 16, search warrants were served in Sylmar and Canyon Country where the four suspects were taken into custody.
Various items that were connected to the thefts were discovered, including cash, LAPD said. Three vehicles that were involved in the burglaries were also seized.
- Cacho was arrested for Conspiracy to Commit Burglary. On Oct.18, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed one count of possession of an unregistered assault weapon.
- Rodriguez-Arroyo was arrested for carjacking. On Oct. 18, the DA’s office filed one count of carjacking and five counts of commercial burglary. He is being held on $100,000 bail.
- Gonzalez-Jimenez was arrested for conspiracy to commit burglary. On Oct. 18, the DA’s office filed one count of commercial burglary.
- Nevarez was arrested for robbery. His case is pending review by the DA’s office for filing considerations.
“These criminals operated with alarming boldness,” LAPD said of the destructive break-ins at a Tuesday press conference. “They’re leaving behind thousands of dollars in damage to their victims.”
The burglaries remain under investigation. LAPD said more arrests in connection with the crimes may be possible.
Anyone with information is urged to contact LAPD Mission area detectives at 818-838-9810. The public can also call LAPD at 1-877-527-3247.
Anonymous tips can be provided to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.