Connection made in recent burglaries

A month-old burglary case that resulted in more than $2,450 worth of electronics being stolen from the Hanford Elementary School District Office recently caught a break on Friday when local police investigators drew a connection between the older case and last week's burglary arrest at Lawrence Beauty School on 10th Avenue.

On July 28, an unknown number of suspects broke a window at the district office building and made off with several items, including three computers, a printer and numerous other smaller, undisclosed items, according to police investigators.

The case was quickly brought into a new light last week when 18-year-old Luis Velasco of Armona and a juvenile, age 15, were arrested while allegedly trying to burglarize Lawrence Beauty School. The pair was subsequently caught when a neighbor heard the sound of breaking glass as they made their entrance.

Subsequent interviews with both suspects led to the additional arrest of a 14-year-old juvenile believed to be involved with the break-in at the district office. The arrest also led to the recovery of two computers and the printer, though several items are still outstanding in the theft.

It was later determined that both of these crimes were done to further the activities of a criminal street gang, according to a Hanford Police Department press release. Officials refused to release the name of the specific gang involved.

Velasco is being held at the Kings County Jail in lieu of $30,100 bail on suspicion of two counts of burglary, being an unlicensed driver, conspiracy and participating in criminal gang activity.

The two juveniles were both booked into the Kings County Juvenile Detention Center on suspicion of burglary.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2425.

(Aug. 19, 2008)