By Mary O’KEEFE

Edward DeArce, 37, of La Crescenta was arrested on Jan. 3 on suspicion of burglary. While on patrol along Foothill Boulevard a Crescenta Valley deputy noticed a pedestrian, later identified as DeArce, that matched the description of a suspect involved in a burglary that occurred in La Cañada on Dec. 13.

The suspect allegedly entered the open garage of a home in the 2300 block of Barton Lane in La Cañada. The home was equipped with surveillance cameras.

“You can see the suspect walk down the street, notice an open garage door and walk in,” said Det. Rodger Burt.

The video then shows the suspect as he took two drills out of the garage, placed them in his backpack and calmly walks away.

The suspect apparently sold the drills later to another person in Los Angeles, detectives said.

“Deputy Carlos Vega is to be commended. He was the deputy that noticed DeArce and made the arrest,” said Capt. David Silversparre.

The deputy had viewed the surveillance footage. At the time of the arrest DeArce was wearing the same clothing he had worn in the video.

At first the suspect denied taking the property until he was shown the footage and then admitted to the theft.

The burglary occurred at 3 p.m. and took only minutes. The homeowner had been in his garage and had stepped back into his house for a few minutes. When he returned he noticed the tools missing. The stolen items have not been recovered.

Law enforcement reminds the public to close garage doors when unattended. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the CV Sheriff’s Station at (818) 248-3464.

  burglary, Crescenta Valley Sheriff