The six adult suspects who were arrested in April in connection with two robberies the “crew” allegedly committed in Santa Barbara are being held to answer for their crimes; the crew had also possibly committed burglaries throughout the Southern California area, including Santa Clarita.

On April 9, 2017, at approximately 3:15 a.m., investigators from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s, Major Crimes Bureau, Burglary-Robbery Task Force, arrested seven suspects (six adults and one juvenile) following two commercial burglaries they had committed in the city of Santa Barbara.

Investigators observed the suspects force their way into a side door of a restaurant located along the 600 block of N. Milpas St. A short time later, the suspects forced entry into a restaurant located along 1000 block of Coast Village Rd. The suspects fled the location in two separate vehicles southbound on the 101 Freeway where they were arrested by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Detectives and Santa Barbara Police Officers.

On May 3, 2017, the six suspects were “held to answer” for the two Santa Barbara commercial burglaries, following their preliminary hearing in Santa Barbara County.

Craig Jones MB/27
Casey Willard MB/20
Isiah Thomas MB/21
Kevin Hawkins MB/25
Christian Sisson MB/19
Justin Johnson   MB/27
Juvenile MB/17

The five adult suspects and one juvenile were each “held to answer” on the following felony counts:

Two counts of Burglary, 459 PC
Two counts of Vandalism, 594 PC
Two counts of The Street Terrorism Act, 186.22 PC

All five adult suspects and one juvenile remain in custody in the Santa Barbara County Jail pending their next court appearance.

LASD Detectives assigned to the MCB Burglary Robbery Task Force are working closely with Santa Barbara Police Detectives as well as several other Southern California law enforcement agencies in an attempt to connect this burglary crew to many similar burglaries that were committed throughout the southland in recent months. While this “crew” is likely responsible for several dozen burglaries, investigators believe there may be other likeminded “crews” also committing similar crimes.

The LASD MCB Burglary-Robbery Task Force was formed over six years ago to combat the ever increasing trend of organized crews who are committing daytime residential burglaries. Typically known as “Knock-Knock” burglars, these crews, often formed by gang members, utilize high-end luxury vehicles to blend into middle class and affluent neighborhoods where they break into homes and businesses ransacking and stealing valuables such as cash, jewelry, and weapons.

The Task Force additionally investigated significant commercial/retail burglary series occurring throughout Los Angeles. The MCB BRTF works closely in support of all Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Station’s detective bureaus, as well as other Southern California law enforcement agencies. Residents and business owners are reminded to secure their properties, be aware of suspicious and unusual persons or vehicles, and to alert their local law enforcement immediately if suspicious activity is observed.

Residents should call 911 if a life threatening emergency is detected and/or their local police business line if a suspicious person or vehicle is observed. The MCB Burglary-Robbery Task Force can be contacted via e-mail at BRTF@LASD.org for tips, questions, or concerns.