Crime & Safety

Deputies Arrest Two Men for Burglary in Lemon Grove

A search of a suspicious vehicle with gang members in it led sheriff's deputies to arrest two men for burglarizing a house that had been tented for fumigation, and the discovery of a gas mask, sheriff's deputies said Sunday.

Deputies spotted two men in a parked vehicle at about 6:40 a.m. Saturday at Lemon Grove Park, 2271 Washington St., Sgt. Greg Hampton said.

During a search of the vehicle, deputies discovered a loaded handgun that had been reported stolen from a nearby home while it was tented for fumigation about two weeks ago.

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Deputies arrested the two people in the vehicle, Sergio Perez, 21, and James St. Clair, 22, for possession of a stolen firearm, Hampton said. Deputies also determined that Perez was a documented gang member.

A search of both suspects' residences uncovered a man at St. Clair's residence with an outstanding felony warrant, who was also arrested, Hampton said. Deputies also found a gas mask at the residence.

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"The gas mask would be a necessary tool when burglarizing a house being fumigated," Hampton said.

All three suspects were booked into county jail, Hampton said.

—City News Service


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