By Mary O’KEEFE
On Saturday Glendale police arrested two burglary suspects after a pursuit that led from the Montrose area to the 105 freeway/ Hawthorne Boulevard exit.
The incident began at 6:18 a.m. when police responded to a call at the Pro-Italia Motorcycle Shop, 3319 N. Verdugo Road. A witness reported seeing three men loading leather gear into a white cargo van.
When police arrived the white van was not at the location, but they discovered a front window of the business had been broken.
A witness reportedly told police that she had heard sound of breaking glass at the location. She noticed the white cargo van parked in front of the motorcycle shop. Two men were loading leather gear into the rear of the van. A third man was also loading jackets into the van.
The first suspect, later identified as Enrique Beltran, 39, got into the driver’s seat of the van. The second suspect was later identified as Carlos Luna, 28. The third suspect was described to be in his late teens, early 20s, wearing gray hoodie with the hood pulled over their head, and jeans.
A store employee reported that about 50 jackets had been stolen along with four to five leather pants. All leather clothing was designed by Vanson or Dainese brands with various Ducati insignias.
While the police officer was interviewing witnesses at the scene, a patrol unit located the white cargo van as it was traveling southbound on the Glendale (2) freeway. Police discovered the van had been reported stolen.
The vehicle led GPD and California Highway Patrol, on a pursuit from the Glendale (2) southbound to the 105 freeway/Hawthorne Boulevard exit at the park and ride parking lot.
Police allegedly discovered the stolen property in the possession of the suspects. Two of the suspects were arrested at the scene; the third suspect fled the area.
Beltran was arrested for burglary, grand theft auto, felony evading police officers, possession of narcotics paraphernalia and grand theft. It was also discovered Beltran had a felony warrant for possession of a controlled substance.
Luna was arrested for burglary, possession of methamphetamine and grand theft.
The third suspect is still outstanding.