BPD News Release: Designer Handbag Thief Arrested, Stolen Property Recovered
A man has been arrested for an early morning burglary at Luxmary Handbags in the Magnolia Park District.
On November 17, 2022, at about 1:40 am, the Burbank Police Department responded to 3421 West Magnolia Boulevard regarding a report of a business burglary in progress. The owner of a neighboring establishment called and said they observed, via surveillance video, men breaking into Luxmary Handbags through the rear door. This retail establishment has been the victim of several burglaries over the last few years.
When police officers arrived, they saw a white Ford Econoline van backed up to the rear entrance of Luxmary Handbags and noticed the rear door to the business had been pried open, leaving pieces of the door frame on the ground. Officers then saw two men run out of the store with stolen merchandise. One of the men fled on foot while the other entered the van and drove off at a high rate of speed.
Officers quickly apprehended the man who fled on foot.
The suspect who drove away in the van only made it a short distance before he lost control and crashed into a bus stop on the southwest corner of Hollywood Way and Chandler Boulevard. The driver then fled on foot and has not yet been found.
Officers searched the van, located stolen merchandise, and noticed the ignition to the vehicle was punched. Further investigation revealed the van was reported stolen.
The suspect who was apprehended has been identified as 36-year-old David Veliz, a resident of Canoga Park. Mr. Veliz was booked for burglary, a felony, as well as several warrants for his arrest. He is being held in lieu of a $135,000 bond and is due to appear in court on November 21, 2022.
Formal charges are pending review by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
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Questions regarding this statement should be directed to:
Sergeant Brent Fekety | 818-238-3240 | [email protected]