Police arrest five suspects in burglaries linked to Downey

Five men suspected in residential burglaries in Downey, Tarzana and Woodland Hills have been taken into custody, police said. LAPD released their booking photos to help identify additional victims. Photos courtesy of LAPD.

Five men suspected in a series of residential burglaries in Tarzana, Woodland Hills and Downey have been taken into custody, police announced Tuesday.

The burglaries began in February in Tarzana and Woodland Hills, where the suspects made forced entry into several homes by smashing open rear sliding glass doors, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Police said the suspects then ransacked the homes, taking jewelry, designer purses, glasses and clothing. Five suspects were subsequently identified by Robbery-Homicide detectives, located, and taken into custody.

During an investigative search, detectives seized evidence related to the burglaries, including hand-held radios, masks, gloves, Wi-Fi jammers, two vehicles, and a cache of weapons and ammunition.

Detectives released booking photos of the suspects because they believe the men may be responsible for other unreported burglaries and are seeking to identify additional victims.

The men were identified as 21-year-old Manuel Nava of Hawthorne, 22- year-old Michael Lewis of Inglewood, 18-year-old Brett Bailey, 18-year-old Elijah Smith, and 32-year-old Tonice Davis, all residents of Los Angeles.

Nava and Lewis were arrested and booked on suspicion of burglary, with bail set at $165,000 for Nava and $150,000 for Lewis. Bailey, Smith, and Davis were arrested and booked on suspicion of attempted burglary, with bail set at $50,000 for Bailey and $90,000 each for Smith and Davis.

Anyone with information regarding the residential burglaries was urged to contact call Mrakich or Ortega at 213-486-6840. Information can also be sent to RHDTIPLINE@LAPD.ONLINE. Calls during non-business hours should be directed to 877-527-3247.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800- 222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.