Gang Detectives recover Bellflower stolen pet iguana .
Sheriff’s investigators identify a Downey man through DNA as the suspect in the 2011 commercial burglary of a Bellflower auto shop where the business’ long-time pet iguana was stolen.
Sometime between the evening hours of Thursday, December 9, 2011, and the early morning hours of Friday, December 10, 2011, forced entry was made into Performance 4-Wheel Auto, located at 9817 Park Street, Bellflower. The business owner learned of the break-in after receiving notification from the business alarm company. The victim responded to his business and found forced entry was made into his business through a window and his pet iguana of more than 17 years, “Lizard,” had been stolen. Nothing else appeared to have been stolen.
Department personnel utilized advanced invesitgative techniques and identifed Suspect Alacaraz. Operation Safe Streets Bureau gang investigators assigned to Lakewood Station were familiar with Suspect Alcaraz from previous contacts. Investigators authored a search warrant on Alcaraz’s residence in Downey. Investigators recovered the victim’s pet iguana and delivered it back to the pet’s owner. Investigators also seized a loaded handgun that was illegally possessed by Alcaraz, as well as marijuana, hashish oil, and gang paraphernalia.
Suspect Alcaraz was booked into the Lakewood Station jail where he is being charged for burglary, illegal possession of a firearm by a restrained person, cultivation of marijuana, and possession of hashish oil. Investigators will also seek gang enhancement charges.
Any questions or requests for follow-up information should be directed to Operation Safe Streets Bureau Lieutenant Steve Sciacca. He may be reached at (323) 376-0808.
You can partner to prevent or report crime by contacting Lakewood Sheriff’s Station at (562) 623-3500 to report suspicious activity. Or if you wish to remain anonymous, call “LA Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), or text the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637,) or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.
To receive detailed, up-to-date information directly from the LASD via e-mail, register for “Nixle” alerts at www.Nixle.com and register for “LASD-HQ Newsroom (SHB,) Los Angeles County Sheriff,” and also register for your local LASD Station area. Or text your zip code to 888777 to receive text alerts only. Standard text messaging rates may apply.
Lt. Dan Beringer
Lakewood Sheriff's Station
Address/Location
LASD - Lakewood Station, Los Angeles County Sheriff
5130 Clark Ave
Lakewood, CA 90712
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 562-623-3500