Suspects Arrested in School Burglaries

October 16, 2008

Los Angeles:   Los Angeles Police Department Northeast Division burglary detectives recently arrested two individuals involved in a series of burglaries at local schools.

Between August 29, 2008, and Sept. 2, 2008, a burglary occurred at Marshall High School, in which the property stolen included several computers and electronic equipment.

Between Oct. 2, 2008, and Oct. 3, 2008, a burglary occurred at Thomas Starr Middle School and King Middle School. Thirty-two Apple Mac Book laptops valued at approximately $50,000 were stolen from Thomas Starr Middle School.

On Oct. 10, 2008, LAPD Northeast Division detectives developed leads from the King Middle School burglary. As a result, 22-year-old Stepan Chakhoyan of Glendale was arrested for commercial burglary and his bail was set at $20,000. Thirteen of the stolen laptops from King Middle School and property taken from the Marshall High School burglary were also recovered.

In the days following Chakhoyan’s arrest, detectives recovered an additional 13 laptops taken from King Middle School, and a 17-year-old minor was also arrested for the burglaries.

Detectives have recovered 26 of the 32 stolen Mac Books and are requesting the public’s assistance in locating the six additional laptops.

Anyone with information regarding these laptops is asked to call LAPD Northeast Division detectives at 213-485-2566. After-hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).  Callers may also text “CRIMES” with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click “Web Tips.” All tips are anonymous.