Victim Finds Thief Hiding in Backseat of Car

A man was arrested in Irvine for allegedly hiding in the backseat of a victim's van and stealing the man's wallet, cellphone and watches after the victim discovered him, an Irvine police lieutenant said today.

The victim, a 67-year-old man, had just finished working out at the 24- Hour Fitness at 18007 Von Karman Ave., and returned to his van on the second floor of the center's parking structure at about 6:30 p.m. Saturday, said Irvine police Lt. Dave Klug.

After the victim started driving, he noticed the suspect lying in the back seat trying to hide, Klug said. The victim challenged the suspect, "who then quickly exited the van and fled from the area on foot, taking the victim's wallet, $40 cash, a cell phone and two watches," the lieutenant said.

The victim followed the suspect to another parking structure at 2251 Dupont Drive, Klug said.

K-9 Officer Rudy located suspect Alexie Rodriguez, 42, of Huntington Beach, attempting to hide behind a pillar.  Rodriguez surrendered without incident, Klug said.

"Officers conducted a thorough search of the parking structure and located the property stolen from the initial victim as well as property from an unreported theft from an unlocked vehicle earlier that day," he said.

Rodriguez was booked into the Orange County Jail on suspicion of grand theft and use of a controlled substance, Klug said.

-City News Service