NEWARK DETECTIVES ARREST SUSPECT IN COMMERCIAL BURGLARY SERIES
The Newark Police Department has been investigating a series of commercial burglaries over the last several months in Newark and neighboring cities. In most cases, entry was made through shattering the front glass door with objects such as a hammer or rocks. The suspect would steal money or at times take entire cash registers.
On Tuesday, June 21, 2022 at approximately 9:30 a.m. Newark Police Detectives and members of neighboring law enforcement agencies served a warrant at a residence on the 35000 block of Newark Blvd. As a result, Cristian Villegas Alvarez, a 26-year old male out of Newark and Lyla Alcorta, a 20-year old female out of Newark were both taken into custody.
As a result of a multi-pronged investigation, Newark Police Detectives were able to link Villegas Alvarez to a string of commercial burglaries in Newark for a second time. Villegas Alvarez was out on bail on charges for 22 commercial burglaries, 11 of which occurred in Newark earlier this year.
Detectives ultimately arrested Villegas Alvarez for 13 additional commercial burglaries, conspiracy to commit a crime and receiving known stolen property. Based on the investigation, Villegas Alvarez is now facing charges for 24 commercial burglaries victimizing Newark businesses. Lyla Alcorta was arrested for commercial burglary and conspiracy to commit a crime. Both were booked at Santa Rita Jail.
The Newark Police Department would like to thank our merchant community members for assisting detectives and proactively installing security cameras. Security camera footage was crucial to this investigation. We also want to thank our regional law enforcement partners who assisted in the arrest.
If you have any information regarding this investigation or believe you were victimized, please contact Newark Police Detective Andrew Musantry at [email protected] or 510.578.4956.
Information can also be left anonymously on the "Anonymous Tip" hotline at 510.578.4965.
Community Engagement Manager Jada Chiu will be the point of contact for media inquiries. She can be reached via email at [email protected] or by phone at 510.578.4929.
