A more than monthlong investigation into an illegal street racing takeover and commercial burglary in Long Beach has led to the arrest of two suspects, police said Monday.
The investigation by Long Beach Police Department detectives began July 14.
It ultimately prompted detectives to conduct a coordinated operation leading to the suspects’ arrest and the seizure of seven vehicles involved in a commercial burglary and illegal street racing takeover, according to police.
“Burglary and auto theft detectives obtained an arrest warrant for an identified suspect and seizure warrants for identified suspect vehicles,” according to police, who said warrants were served in Long Beach, Lakewood, Santa Ana, Inglewood and Bell Gardens.
The seven seized vehicles were involved with illegal street racing takeovers, police said.
The arrested suspects were identified as Tonjai Webster Jr., 20, of Los Angeles, who was booked on suspicion of commercial burglary; and Christopher J. Villegas, 20, of Lakewood, who was booked on suspicion of felony vandalism related to street racing.
“Our community was concerned by the actions that took place on July 14 and the Long Beach Police Department has responded with focused and direct action,” LBPD Chief Wally Hebeish said in a statement. “The outstanding work of our detectives and police officers has led to the arrest of suspects responsible for vandalism and burglary, as well as the seizure of vehicles from the illegal `street racing’ event. We will not accept dangerous and criminal behavior like this in our city, and those participating in any type of illegal motor vehicle gatherings or associated crimes will be identified and arrested.”
The suspects’ cases will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for consideration of criminal charges.
Detectives continue to pursue leads to identify and arrest others involved in the takeover and anyone with information was urged to contact the LBPD Burglary Detail at LBPDBurglary@longbeach.gov or 562-570-7351.