LAGUNA BEACH, Calif.—Two men suspected of burglarizing a commercial building in Laguna Beach were taken into custody, including a career criminal on probation, police said Jan. 6.
Officers were patrolling along Laguna Canyon Road around 3:45 a.m. Thursday when an officer noticed a vehicle leaving a closed business and conducted a traffic stop based on a vehicle equipment violation, according to Lt. Jason Farris of the Laguna Beach Police Department.
Police said the officer discovered various items inside the vehicle that caused suspicion. The driver, Joseph Hernandez of Chino Hills, was arrested on suspicion of burglary, possession of stolen property and additional unspecified charges, Mr. Farris said.
Detectives allegedly discovered $20,000 worth of stolen equipment and returned the items to the owners.
Mr. Hernandez had a passenger with him who also resides in Chino Hills, Mr. Farris said. His name was not disclosed. The passenger is a “career criminal” on probation, according to Mr. Farris. He was being investigated by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for other related charges.
Security was heightened in the area due to recent commercial burglaries, Mr. Farris said.
Anyone with information regarding the burglary was urged to call the Laguna Beach Police Department at 949-497-0701.
