A man and two women suspected of stealing a necklace and elderly abuse in La Puente were arrested, authorities announced Wednesday.
Ionut Constantin, Antratida Barbu, and Monalisa Stoian were taken into custody on Tuesday, following an investigation of a man being approached by one of the suspects on Monday, who placed a fake gold necklace on the victim’s neck, simultaneously removing his real gold necklace, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Deputies determined after further investigation that the victim was standing outside of his residence moments before the suspect vehicle, identified as a 2017 black Ford Explorer SUV, with California license plate ED73E54, stopped in front of his house in the 500 block of Mayland Avenue, near Temple Avenue and Bassett High School, and one of the suspects called out to him, asking for directions to a local church.
A front passenger then exited the vehicle and approached the victim, placed a fake gold necklace on his neck while removing his real gold necklace, before returning to the vehicle with the man’s jewelry and fleeing.
Anyone with additional information about the theft was urged to call the Industry Sheriff’s Station Detective Bureau at 626-330-3322. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.