The Irvine Police arrested three Chilean nationals suspected of burglary

The Irvine Police Department (IPD) arrested three adult males linked to a transnational organized crime ring.

On Friday, March 22, 2024, at about 6:50 p.m., IPD officers were conducting ongoing surveillance in the Turtle Rock and Shady Canyon neighborhoods to address residential burglaries involving organized crews.

While patrolling the area near Bommer Canyon, an IPD officer noticed a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot. The officer conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle, which was occupied by three adult males, as it drove away. The men were not from the area and appeared to have no reason to be in Irvine. Several items consistent with burglary tools were in the vehicle. In addition, the men were in possession of pet deterrent, shoe covers, gloves, and masks.

Based on the totality of circumstances, the trio appeared to be casing the area to commit residential burglaries and were arrested for conspiracy to commit burglary, providing false information to a police officer, and possession of burglary tools.

The driver was identified as Julio Cordova-Martinez, 55, and the passengers were identified as Ricardo Navarete-Loyola, 19, and Leopoldo Jara-Araya, 57. All three are Chilean nationals and were booked at the Orange County Jail (OCJ).

“I’m proud of the men and women of the Irvine Police Department and all the work they do to keep our community safe,” said Chief Michael Kent. “This arrest is just one example of the great police work happening daily in our city and should serve as a warning to anyone looking to victimize our residents, businesses, and visitors: Don’t commit crime in Irvine.”

If you have any information related to this investigation, please contact Detective Ryan Nigg at 949-724-7183 or email: rnigg@cityofirvine.org.