On April 18th, Pomona Police investigated a residential burglary in Ganesha Hills where numerous items were taken from the residence and garage. The suspect was observed leaving the property with the items and the victim informed officers he recognized the suspect.
On May 21st at approximately 9pm, patrol officers received information from dispatch that someone was living and hanging out in a very well built and modern tree house in Ganesha Hills. The information was that the tree house was well disguised in the hills just off of McKinley Ave.
In order to locate the tree house, the Pomona Police Air Unit as well as K9 Jax were requested. Utilizing the helicopter’s FLIR heat sensing system, it sensed heat in the heavy brush and trees where officers were near.
A short time later, officers located a well-built tree house hidden deep into the hillside. The tree house contained many essentials such as a fire pit, barbeque, and lighting. Numerous verbal commands were given and the suspect eventually climbed down from the treehouse. The suspect was arrested without incident.
The suspect was identified as 56 year-old Mark Duda of Pomona. Duda was arrested for 459 PC – residential burglary. Detectives presented the case to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office where Duda was charged with burglary.
