Lafayette Police Search Los Arabis Neighborhood For Burglary Suspects

LAFAYETTE - Lafayette Police continue to search for two burglary suspects who were able to escape police dragnets Tuesday on three different occasions.

According to information provided in a neighborhood newsletter sent by Police Chief Eric Christensen to Lafayette residents, officers were first alerted to a report of two men lurking near a car in the area of Bentley School shortly before 2 p.m.

A caller said the two men were on opposite sides of the vehicle, and appeared to be looking inside.

As the resident watched, police say the two got into a light blue Toyota and took off.

Feeling suspicious about what he was seeing, authorities say the resident followed, and watched as the vehicle turned onto Upper Happy Valley Road and drove into the neighborhood.

Police say when officers arrived, they found a single man inside.

A records check showed the individual to be on probation and to have a history of burglary charges, according to police.

As the officer examined the interior of the vehicle, police say burglary tools were in plain view.

Another responding officer recognized the Toyota as matching the description of a vehicle used in a residential burglary in Danville earlier in the day.

Believing two suspects remained at large, Lafayette officers, with the help of a K-9 dog from the Sheriff’s Office and the Sheriff’s helicopter, set up a perimeter.

Police say as the initial search was being undertaken, Danville Investigators arrived on scene, identified the driver of the vehicle as having been involved in the Danville burglary, and arrested him.

Despite an extensive initial search, authorities say they were not able to find the pair.

At 6:18 p.m., the Contra Costa Sheriff's office received a telephone call from a resident who reported seeing a pair of strangers in their rear yard on Los Arabis Drive.

Police say several area Lamorinda police agencies responded to the area, and established a perimeter for a second time, again with the Sheriff’s helicopter.

For a second time, officers were unable to locate the fleeing pair.

Less than an hour later, at 7:06 p.m., deputies say the Sheriff’s office was advised by a resident in the 1000 Block of Rahara Drive that they had just arrived home and found two subjects running with bags from their home.

Police say the two suspects had apparently entered the home through an unlocked rear door, finding the home empty.

Several items were taken in the ransacking, including electronics items and several sets of car keys. The suspects were interrupted by the arrival of the homeowner, according to authorities.

A third perimeter was established, again with several Lamorinda agencies, the Sheriff’s helicopter and several police K-9's. Police say after searching, the suspects could not be located.

Here's a quote from the neighborhood bulletin.

"Our investigators are seeking information from residents that will aid us in our investigation. At this point, we believe the suspects entered the neighborhood at 1:21 p.m. The suspect vehicle was seen on Los Arabis Drive, Timothy, Pine and El Nido Ranch Road. At this point investigators believe the two suspects were likely dropped off near the fire station, on Los Arabis. Investigators ask residents in the neighborhood to check their surveillance systems for images of the suspects in the neighborhood."

Lafayette Police Department officers and investigators would like you to give them a call at (925) 284-5010 if you have any information about these incidents, or any surveillance video.

If you prefer to remain online, you can contact the department at 94549tip@gmail.com.

-image via Lafayette Police Department