Azusa man smashes car through pharmacy in apparent attempt at smash-and-grab
AZUSA -- Police arrested an Azusa man Monday after he crashed his car through a pharmacy in what police called a failed smash-and-grab robbery, then began smashing windows at an apartment complex with his head, authorities said.
Dustin Andrew Delucia, 23, was booked on suspicion of burglary and vandalism, Azusa police Sgt. Andy Sutcliffe said in a written statement.
Delucia is accused of driving a 1994 Honda Accord through the front windows of a CVS Pharmacy, 915. E. Arrow Highway, about 11:15 a.m. Sunday, Sutcliffe said.
The store was closed for business, however several employees were working inside, police said.
"(Delucia) quickly exited the vehicle and ran into the store toward the cash registers," the sergeant said. "But when confronted by the manager, he abruptly stopped without taking anything and ran back to his vehicle."
The car sped away north on Citrus Avenue, he added. The damage to the store was estimated at $30,000.
Detectives Monday identified Delucia as a suspect, Sutcliffe said, but before they could seek him out, police received another 9-1-1 call about him Sunday evening.
Around 6 p.m., "Patrol officers were dispatched to the 1100 block of West Arrow Highway on a report of a man running through an apartment complex smashing windows with his head."
The person doing the damage was determined to be Delucia, who was found hiding behind a trash dumpster and arrested.
Delucia was hospitalized for treatment of injuries he suffered while breaking windows with his head, Sutcliffe said.
According to sheriff's booking records, he was being held in lieu of $50,000 bail.
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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