Five residents of Long Beach, including two juveniles, have been arrested following an investigation which stemmed from a traffic stop last month.
On October 21, Long Beach Police stopped a car near Pacific Coast Highway and Cherry Avenue, discovering the driver, 19-year-old Trayon Gaston, was unlicensed. As with all unlicensed stops, the car becomes impounded and police search the vehicle. Located inside were several computers connected to a residential burglary reported earlier in the day. Gaston was then arrested for receiving the stolen property, and an investigation was opened. The other occupants of the vehicle were released.
Less than three weeks later, LBPD issued search warrants at four Long Beach residences. Ultimately, authorities recovered a variety of what is believed to be stolen goods, including nine firearms (four of which are directly connected to a previously reported burglary), cash, marijuana, electronics, and jewelry.
Four additional arrests were made and multiple charges filed. Gaston was formally charged with residential burglary and possession of marijuana for sale as was 19 year-old Cartier Anderson. 36 year-old Jay Holms was charged with receiving stolen property, possession of an illegal assault weapon, and possession of a gun with an altered serial number. Two additional unnamed juveniles, one 16 and the other 17 years old, were both charged with residential burglary.
Yesterday, the juvenile defendants were presented to the Juvenile Branch of the Los Angeles County District Attorney Office for filing consideration, while the other three were presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration today.
The LBPD believes the group could be responsible for additional thefts, both inside and outside of Long Beach.
Anyone who believes their stolen property was recovered by police during this operation was urged to call the burglary detail at 562-570-7353 or Crime Stoppers, 800-222-TIPS.
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