A 22-year-old man suspected of belonging to a South American theft group and linked to about 25 burglaries across Los Angeles was arrested after allegedly breaking into a West Los Angeles home while the resident hid in a bathroom and called 911, authorities said.
On Monday, May 4, officers responded to the 1500 block of Rexford Drive for a reported hot prowl burglary, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
The resident told police he heard a loud bang at a glass sliding door and reviewed surveillance footage, which allegedly showed a man entering the residence. Fearing for his safety, the resident locked himself inside a bathroom and called 911, police said.
When officers arrived, they found the front door open and saw a man wearing a black hoodie and pants inside the home, according to police. The suspect fled, and after a brief foot pursuit, officers arrested him.
The man was identified as Kevin Diaz, 22, of Los Angeles.
West Los Angeles detectives suspect Diaz of belonging to a South American theft group and connected him to approximately 25 burglaries throughout the city, authorities said. Fourteen of those burglaries occurred in the San Fernando Valley. The crimes spanned multiple LAPD divisions, including West Los Angeles, Olympic, Southwest, Devonshire, Mission and West Valley.
Diaz was booked on suspicion of first-degree residential burglary and held on $50,000 bail, according to police.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact West Los Angeles Detective Angel Rivera at 310-444-1580 or the LAPD Commercial Crimes Division at 213-486-6620. Anonymous tips can be submitted to LA Regional Crime Stoppers or by calling 800-222-8477.