First published in the Nov. 26 print issue of the Burbank Leader.
A man was recently arrested for an early morning burglary at Luxmary Handbags in the Magnolia Park District.
On Nov. 17, at about 1:40 a.m., the Burbank Police Department responded to 3421 West Magnolia Blvd. 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 said 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, with pieces of the door frame on the ground. Officers said they then saw two men run out of the store with stolen merchandise. One of the men fled on foot, who was apprehended shortly after, and the other man sped off in a van.
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. 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 Nov. 21.
Formal charges are pending review by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
