On January 31, 2016 at about 1:30 PM, an Azusa Police officer responded to a citizen's report of a "window smash" vehicle burglary that occurred in the parking lot of a business in the 400 block of N. Azusa Avenue, in Azusa. During the initial investigation, the responding officer spoke to the victim, examined evidence at the scene, and reviewed video footage from nearby surveillance cameras.
After carefully viewing the images and recognizing that it had only been a short time lapse since the vehicle burglary occurred, officers began searching the area for the possible suspect. Within about 30 minutes, the suspect, Martin Larry Gallardo, Jr. (Age 28; Resident of Monrovia) was located and detained near the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and Angeleno Avenue. He was positively identified as the suspect seen in the video committing the crime and placed under arrest for vehicle burglary, which is a felony crime.
During a search of his person incident to his arrest, Gallardo was found to be in possession of a window-punch tool, as well as property stolen from the interior of the victim's vehicle. Further follow-up netted additional stolen property that Gallardo had already discarded. He was transported to the Azusa Police Department's jail facility where he was booked for vehicle burglary, possession of stolen property and possession of burglary tools.
During the booking process, it was learned that Gallardo was also wanted for an unrelated burglary charge originating from the Monrovia Police Department. Gallardo will be arraigned at West Covina Court on February 2, 2016.
The Azusa Police Department wants to remind you of the following safety tips, in regards to thefts from vehicles:
- Do not leave valuables in plain sight
- Close and lock all doors and windows
- Park in well-lit and heavily traveled areas
- Be aware of suspicious people and vehicles when parking
- Take your keys with you! Don't leave your keys in the vehicle or the ignition