CONTACT: Sgt. Belinda Joseph
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LAX CRIME TASK FORCE ARRESTS BAGGAGE THEFT SUSPECT AT LAX

(Los Angeles, California – February 11, 2015) On Sunday, February 8, 2015 Los Angeles Airport Police Crime Task Force (CTF) investigators arrested Ryan Green, a 23-year-old student of Long Beach California, for Commercial Burglary after identifying him as being responsible for baggage thefts in the passenger baggage claim areas at LAX. This past weekend, CTF investigators conducted surveillance operations to monitor the area in response to an increase in baggage thefts from the terminals on the south side of LAX. The surveillance ended in the arrest of Green.
During surveillance operations, CTF investigators observed Green in Terminal 5 who they believed to be responsible for previous baggage thefts at LAX. Investigators observed him picking up a bag from a carousel in the baggage claim area and watched him exit. Investigators followed Green as he walked into a nearby terminal and saw him grab an additional bag that did not belong to him from a carousel. Investigators tracked Green into the men’s restroom where he entered a handicap stall and was heard pilfering through the stolen bag.
A short time later, Green left the restroom and was seen throwing one of the smaller pieces of luggage into a nearby trash bin. He then walked to a shuttle stop outside the terminal and appeared to be leaving the airport. With the assistance of uniformed Airport police officers, Green was detained and ultimately arrested for Commercial Burglary in conjunction with the baggage thefts.
In a subsequent interview conducted by CTF detectives, Green admitted to taking the luggage and provided a written statement. While being interviewed Green stated he used his mother’s airline “buddy pass” to fly into LAX from San Jose earlier that day. CTF detectives presented the case to the District’s Attorney Office on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 which resulted in five felony counts of Commercial Burglary against Green.
“CTF investigators are to be commended on a job well done” Los Angeles Airport Police Chief Patrick Gannon said. “Their tenacity and hard work ended in a baggage theft suspect’s arrest and successfully returning property to the rightful owner. The team work and diligence shown by CTF is exemplary and further enhances the security of this airport.”
The Los Angeles Airport Crime Task Force is made up of personnel from the Los Angeles Airport Police (LAXPD) and Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) with the primary mission of combating theft crimes at LAX. Last year CTF conducted over 1,460 investigations, 310 operations and wrote 32 search warrants. CTF consists of a group of dedicated officers, detectives and supervisors that continuously prove the value of teamwork in achieving positive results and improving the safety and security of one of the busiest places in Los Angeles County.
The Los Angeles Airport Police Division is the nation's premier aviation law enforcement agency with more than 1,100 specially trained police officers, security officers, and civilian staff protecting Los Angeles International, LA/Ontario International, and Van Nuys airports.
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