(May 8, 2008) -- A well-coordinated, well-executed LBPD response, assisted by citizens in the area, resulted in apprehending two suspects in the ELB/Lakewood-adjacent residential area of E. Arbor Rd. and Lorelei Ave. (SW of Del Amo/Bellflower) on Wednesday (May 7).
LBPD Public Information Officer Jackie Bezart says that at about 11:18 a.m., LBPD responded after receiving a call from a citizen who indicated suspicious activity in the vicinity of the 300 block of Arbor Rd. involving two males in the backyard of a residence.
Officers arriving on-scene immediately spotted signs of a possible residential burglary...and LBPD's response increased accordingly, reflecting a raidly-developing serious situation.
LBPD had only limited information and had to deal with multiple unknowns involving a residential neighborhood. Were the suspects armed? How many were inside the residence? Would they flee on foot? Will a car be waiting for them? Will they run or drive into another adjoining jurisdiction (Lakewood)?
Most of all: once the burglary was confirmed, officers had to keep the suspects contained within a perimeter so they could be taken into custody.
Provided with a suspect description, officers took one suspect into custody nearly immediately. A second suspect fled on foot and officers set up a containment perimeter. LBPD motor officers in training broke from training to assist in the perimeter.
LBPD notified the Lakewood Sheriff station due to the proximity of residences close to Lakewood...and LASD assisted.
LBPD noted a school (a private church facility) was in the area...and alerted the private school to the developing situation and students were kept inside as a precaution.
An LBPD canine unit and air support were used...as citizens continued to call-in with information which LBPD dispatch promptly relayed to officers in the field via LBPD's radio channels.
The net result was a well-coordinated, well-executed response...and the second suspect was located in a shed in the backyard of a residence and taken into custody.
The incident ended safely shortly before 1 p.m.
