NORWALK — A man was arrested on suspicion of burglary burglary and other crimes after breaking into a youth counseling facility and stealing computers early Tuesday, authorities said.
John Rodriguez, 44, of Norwalk was being held without bail at the Inmate Reception Center in Los Angeles, according to county booking records.
The Helpline Youth Counseling center, 12440 E. Firestone Blvd., Ste. 1000, had been broken into twice in the past month, Los Angeles County sheriff’s Sgt. Brian Doyle.
“A deputy happened to be nearby when the alarm call came out (about 2 a.m.),” the sergeant said. “He dashed over there and caught the guy.”
Rodriguez was trying to flee the area in a stolen car when he was stopped, officials added. Several computers and other items believed to be stolen were found in the car.
Rodriguez also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest, Doyle said.
Detectives were looking into whether Rodriguez was involved in the previous burglaries at the counseling center.
According to county booking records, he was due for arraignment Wednesday in Bellflower Superior Court.