On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department deputies and detectives assigned to Lakewood Station responded to a commercial property located in the 3200 block of East Carson Street, in the City of Lakewood, regarding suspicious activity involving unauthorized persons inside a vacant development site.
Upon arrival, detectives discovered evidence of forced entry and observed indications that copper piping and wiring had been cut and staged for removal from the building. During containment efforts, deputies heard sounds consistent with construction tools being used inside the structure. Due to the size and hazardous condition of the building, members of the LASD Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB) responded to assist with the operation.
After repeated announcements ordering occupants to exit the location, two suspects were located hiding inside the building and taken into custody without incident.
Investigators recovered burglary tools and evidence related to the attempted theft of copper materials. Approximately 100 pounds of copper piping and additional copper wiring were recovered and prevented from being removed from the property.
Following review of the investigation, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office filed charges of Burglary (Penal Code 459) and Resisting, Delaying, or Obstructing a Peace Officer (Penal Code 148(a)(1)) against both suspects.
This remains an active criminal investigation.
As a reminder, all persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Anyone with additional information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Lakewood Sheriff's Station Detective Bureau, attention Lakewood Station Detective Chavez at (562) 623-3500. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org
Forwarded by:
Sheriff's Information Bureau
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
211 West Temple Street
Los Angeles California 90012
http://www.lasd.org
213-229-1700
*Text & Email, Register for LASD Nixle messages: To receive more detailed, up-to-date information via E-MAIL and/or TEXT directly from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), sign up for "Nixle" alerts at http://www.nixle.com and register for "LASD - Los Angeles County Sheriffs Dept Information Bureau (SIB)" AND your local LASD station area. Or, to receive URGENT TEXT ALERTS ONLY, text your zip code to 888777. Standard text messaging rates may apply depending on your calling plan.
Robert G. Luna, Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
