Suspect in computer theft jailed with help of tipster in West Covina
WEST COVINA -- A tipster led police to arrest a man suspected of stealing a laptop computer from a yoga studio last week, officials said.
Gregorio Mejia, 40, of West Covina was booked on suspicion of burglary, West Covina police Lt. Marty Sevilla said.
Police distributed his picture following the Jan. 4 crime at a yoga studio in the 2300 block of South Azusa Avenue in hopes someone in the public would recognize him.
That's exactly what happened Friday, Sevilla said. "A tipster told us at 4:11 this afternoon that the suspect wanted in connection with that theft was currently at the Jack in the Box Restaurant in the 2500 block of South Azusa Avenue."
The restaurant is about two blocks away from where the laptop was stolen.
Officers found him sitting at a table in the restaurant and arrested him without incident, Sevilla said. Police then discovered he also had a grand theft warrant for his arrest issued by the Los Angeles County sheriff's Industry Station.
The stolen computer, which police described as a champagne-colored Hewlett Packard laptop, was not recovered, Sevilla said.
Because of irreplaceable data stored on the machine, the computer's owner has offered a reward of up to $1,000 for its return, police said.
Someone may still potentially be able to claim that reward by turning the computer in, Sevilla said.
On the contrary, he added, anyone caught with the computer could be prosecuted for possession of stolen property.
CONTRIBUTORS
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| Frank Girardot, Metro Editor for the San Gabriel Valley Newspapers, brings you behind the yellow tape with takes on true crime, cold cases and more. This is also your forum to discuss crime, its impact on your neighborhood and how we cover it. Have any questions or tips? You can leave a comment here or e-mail Frank. |
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Brian Day is the crime reporter for the San Gabriel Valley Newspaper group. E-mail Brian. |
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