Seven people suspected of being affiliated with a South American theft ring were arrested in Scottsdale, Arizona, and they are suspected of being tied to burglaries in Burbank and other cities in California, as well as Oregon and Washington, police said Tuesday.
The suspects were taken into custody in Scottsdale Friday when police served a search warrant at a short-term rental unit, where detectives discovered evidence related to alleged thefts in Tempe and Mesa, Arizona, according to the Burbank Police Department.
Burbank police said the department had notified other law enforcement agencies about a South American theft ring from Colombia that was believed to be heading to Arizona. Burbank police shared information including vehicle descriptions, and vehicles matching those descriptions were found at the rental property in Scottsdale, police said.
According to police, all seven suspects were booked into the Maricopa County Jail in Arizona, each being held on a $150,000 cash-only bond.
The suspects were identified as 23-year-old Nicolas Rojas Leon, 26-year-old Joan Sebastian Orozco-Vargas, 38-year-old Andres David Sanchez-Novoa, 26-year-old Natalia Isabella Ortiz-Daza, 28-year-old Martha Juliana Echiverri-Guzman, 32-year-old Lady Johanna Gueito, and 25-year-old Angie Paola Hernandez-Manrique, all residents of Columbia.
Burbank police said the agency will present its investigation into local heists to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for review of possible charges.
“This investigation is an example of the strong partnerships the Burbank Police Department has with other law enforcement agencies, both locally and across the country. By sharing information and analyzing crime trends together, Burbank police partner agencies can collaborate and coordinate efforts to investigate and stop criminal activity, and hold suspects accountable,” according to a department statement.