Burglar Who Targeted Homes near Melrose and Fairfax Avenues Arrested NA10053SF

Los Angeles:  Yesterday morning, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Wilshire Area officers caught a suspect who is believed to be responsible for multiple residential burglaries.

On January 30, 2010, at around 7:00 a.m., officers from Wilshire Division responded to a radio call of a burglary that had just occurred in the 800 block of North Laurel Avenue.  Comments of the call stated that the resident was detaining the suspect.  Prior to the officers arrival however, the suspect ran from the scene.  In his haste to escape, the suspect left behind evidence that identified him as the named serial burglar, Dante Hoskins.  

Familiar with crime trends and wanted suspects in their area, the responding officers recognized Hoskins as the same suspect who was arrested in December 2009, for numerous residential burglaries.  Part of Hoskins method of operation was that he targeted houses located north of Melrose Avenue near Fairfax Avenue and that he used the same tactics to commit his crimes.

The investigation led officers to Hoskins’ home in LAPD’s Southwest Division.  When they arrived, Hoskins was walking out of his house and when he saw the officers approaching, he quickly ran away.  During an extensive search for Hoskins, personnel from the Metropolitan K-9 Unit found Hoskins hiding nearby.  

Dante Hoskins, a 39-year-old resident of Los Angeles was arrested and charged for residential burglary.  His bail was set at $75,000.00.

The Los Angeles Police Department, Wilshire Burglary Detectives are requesting that anyone with information about these crimes contact them at 213-473-0557.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.   Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters "LAPD." Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.