May 1, 2024

GLENDALE, CA – A quick response from burglary task force officers leads to the arrest of two transnational burglary suspects.

In a coordinated effort by the Glendale Burglary Task Force and the L.A. Impact Burglary Task Force, officers arrested William Guanume, 45, and Bryan Martinez Vargas, 28, both of Colombia yesterday afternoon following a pursuit that ended in a crash.

Task Force Officers responded quickly to a residential burglary, in progress, in the 4300 block of Boston Ave in Glendale on Tuesday afternoon (4/30) at approximately 3:30pm.

Upon arrival, officers identified the suspect vehicle as a grey Toyota, which was seen leaving the residence. Glendale Patrol Officers and the police helicopter were immediately notified, and saturation patrols began. Glendale Special Enforcement Detail Officers located the suspect vehicle headed southbound on the Glendale Freeway (State Route 2) and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The suspects did not yield, and a pursuit ensued. 

While fleeing from officers, the suspects began discarding evidence from their car. With patrol units and the helicopter overhead, the suspect vehicle, now driving eastbound on the 134 freeway, attempted to exit at Figueroa Street. The suspect vehicle could not negotiate the offramp turn, resulting in a crash into the grassy hillside. Officers swiftly apprehended the suspects without further incident. 

The subsequent investigation found the discarded items were indeed stolen from the targeted residence. Notably, officers recovered a WiFi signal jammer, still on and operating. Signal-blocking devices allow individuals to unlawfully enter homes undetected. This technology disrupts home Wi-Fi systems, cutting the feed of traditional home security systems and cameras, and rendering them ineffective in alerting homeowners or law enforcement to the presence of intruders.

Guanume and Martinez Vargas are being investigated for their alleged involvement in a transnational criminal operation known as "Burglary Tourism." This scheme involves thieves from South America entering the U.S. under the guise of tourism and subsequently targeting affluent neighborhoods to commit burglaries. 

"The Glendale and L.A. Impact Burglary Task Forces will continue to combat this crime tirelessly. The recovery of another signal jammer in the possession of burglary suspects highlights the evolving challenges for law enforcement. Our officers are prepared and equipped to tackle this burglary surge with all our resources," said Glendale Police Chief Manny Cid.

Both suspects have been arrested for burglary, with the driver facing additional charges of felony evading. Glendale Detectives will be seeking charges with the L.A. District Attorney’s office in the coming weeks.

The Glendale Police Department thanks the community for their continued support and vigilance.

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About the Glendale Police Department

Established in 1906, the Glendale Police Department is a full-service police department with approximately 250 sworn officers, and nearly 400 total employees. The Glendale Police Department is committed to providing the highest level of public safety services through proactive policing, professionalism, and community partnerships.

Assignments include Patrol, Traffic, Investigations Bureau, Narcotics, SWAT, Motorcycles, K-9, School Resource Officer, Custody, Dispatch, and Air Support. Police Department responsibilities include 9-1-1 emergency response, proactive law enforcement, traffic enforcement and collision investigation, crime investigation and case preparation, community and school policing, and administration of the city jail facility.

For more information, visit GlendaleCA.gov/Police or follow @GlendalePoliceDept on Instagram and @GlendalePD on Facebook and X.

Media Contact:  Sgt. Jackson | Office: 818-937-8888 | Email: GPDPIO@GlendaleCA.gov