Home burglary suspects caught in Tustin with help from a helicopter, drones and a K9 police dog

In recent years, many California communities have been victimized by highly sophisticated Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) crews that commit high loss residential burglaries, according to the Tustin Police Department.

These crews utilize various technologies to conduct surveillance and combat law enforcements ability to apprehend them. Crews work to identify unoccupied residences and commit burglaries when the residents have left. Tustin PD has responded to dozens of these incidents and has established a coordinated response to successfully apprehend individuals.

On 04/19/2024, officers were dispatched to such an incident in the Tustin Ranch Estates. The homeowner told 911 that she had live video from cameras that showed three male suspects in her backyard and attempting to enter her residence. Dozens of officers from the Tustin Police Department, deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Tustin PD drone operators, and air support from the Anaheim Police Department and Orange County Sheriff’s Department responded to the emergency call.

As officers arrived on scene, the three suspects fled on foot in different directions. Anaheim PD’s helicopter, “Angel” located one suspect hiding in the backyard of a nearby residence. The suspect refused to surrender and was apprehended by a police canine. A Tustin PD drone operator located the second crawling through thick bushes on a hillside. The second suspect refused to surrender and was apprehended by a police canine. The third suspect was not located.

Officers located radios, gloves, and flashlights used by the suspects and damage to the residence that showed entry was attempted. Both suspects were transported to local hospitals before being booked at Orange County Jail for burglary, conspiracy, and resisting arrest. Both suspects have since been released from custody after posting bail pending a future court date.

We would like to thank our partners at the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, CA and at the Anaheim Police Department for their support. Despite the challenges law enforcement faces, this incident serves as a fine example of the hard work that occurs daily to apprehend sophisticated criminals and preserve the safety and serenity of our local community.