May 21, 2024

GLENDALE, CA – On May 20, 2024, at approximately 10:31 p.m., the Glendale Police Department arrested four Colombian national burglary suspects in the Emerald Isle area of Glendale. This incident marks the second arrest in three weeks involving Bryan Martinez Vargas, 28, of Colombia, in connection with transnational burglary operations, often called "Burglary Tourism."

Last night, a Glendale Sergeant observed a car driving without headlights in the area of Emerald Isle Drive and Kirkham Drive. The car was exiting a dead-end street. Deeming this vehicle suspicious, the sergeant initiated a traffic stop, and the car was searched. 

During the vehicle search, officers found a video surveillance device with a battery pack charging system camouflaged with leaves. This evidence, combined with the finding of freshly disturbed dirt in a planter in the cul-de-sac, led Glendale detectives to believe that the suspects had strategically placed the camera in the planter. This method allowed them to create a sophisticated method to gain a view of residences and know when homeowners would leave. 

Officers also located a construction hard hat and a vest, which can be used as a ruse to approach homes with minimal suspicion. Several jewelry boxes were also found in the car. 

Bryan Martinez Vargas, along with Jose Antonio Velasquez, 28, Edison Arley Pinzon Fandino, 27, and Luis Carlos Moreno, 29, were subsequently arrested for conspiracy to commit burglary.

This arrest comes just weeks after Bryan Martinez Vargas, along with another suspect, William Guanume, 45, was apprehended following a high-speed pursuit. On April 30, 2024, the Glendale Burglary Task Force and L.A. Impact Burglary Task Force coordinated a swift response to a residential burglary in progress in the 4300 block of Boston Avenue. During that pursuit, the suspects discarded stolen items, including a WiFi signal jammer to disable home security systems.

Bryan Martinez Vargas and the other Colombian nationals are believed to be part of a transnational criminal operation known as "Burglary Tourism," where thieves from South America enter the U.S. under the guise of tourism and target affluent neighborhoods for burglaries.

"This arrest underscores the ongoing challenges our officers confront in safeguarding our community. While it is frustrating to apprehend the same suspect for a similar offense, it will not diminish our resolve to protect Glendale," said Glendale Police Chief Manny Cid. "Our officers are dedicated and will use every available resource to combat these crimes and ensure the safety of our residents."

In response to the surge in regional residential burglaries in 2023, the Glendale Police Department 

established the Residential Burglary Task Force. The task force is comprised of GPD patrol and motor officers, Special Enforcement Detail, detectives, undercover officers, and the Glendale Police Department Airship. The task force utilizes cutting-edge technology and saturation patrols. Since its inception, the task force has made numerous burglary arrests. Despite the recent arrests, the enhanced patrols will continue to ensure community safety.

The Glendale Police Department remains committed to keeping the community safe and will continue its proactive measures to address and prevent crime. Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant. If you have any information about residential burglaries in Glendale, please call 818-548-4911.

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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.