Seven Members of South American Theft Group Arrested in Phoenix Area Burglary Spree

Authorities reported that seven members of a South American Theft Group were apprehended on Friday due to their involvement in a pair of burglaries within the Phoenix area.

The burglaries occurred nearly simultaneously on May 23 in the cities of Tempe and Mesa, as detailed by the Scottsdale Police Department. After receiving critical intelligence, police acted swiftly to secure the suspects.

All seven individuals were taken into custody at a short-term rental property where they had been temporarily residing.

Collaboration Between Multiple Law Enforcement Agencies

The Scottsdale Police Department received an alert on May 20 from their counterparts at the Burbank Police Department in California. This information outlined the potential threat posed by a Colombian-based theft group responsible for burglaries in various states including California, Oregon, and Washington.

Officials believed the South American group was likely en route to Arizona. They shared detailed descriptions of the suspects’ vehicles and other relevant intelligence to aid in the investigation.

Surveillance and Arrests

From May 20 to May 22, Scottsdale detectives closely monitored the suspects. Surveillance efforts provided insight into the group’s movements and ultimately led officers to the burglarized residences on May 23.

During their observations, detectives noted that all seven suspects were actively coordinating and engaging in the burglary activities at both targeted locations.

Details of the Stolen Property

Authorities revealed that among the stolen items linked to the group was a French Bulldog taken during a prior burglary in California. Fortunately, the pet will soon be returned to its rightful owner.

Identifying the Suspects

After coordinating their efforts, the police identified the suspects involved in the burglaries. They include:

Nicolas Rojas Leon, 23
Joan Sebastian Orozco-Vargas, 26
Andres David Sanchez-Novoa, 38
Natalia Isabella Ortiz-Daza, 26
Martha Juliana Echiverri-Guzman, 28
Lady Johanna Gueito, 32
Angie Paola Hernandez-Manrique, 25

Each individual now faces numerous criminal charges and awaits their fate in the Maricopa County Jail. They are being held on a cash-only bond set at $150,000.

Ongoing Impact and Precautions

This incident highlights the ongoing concerns regarding organized crime elements that continue to pose threats across the United States. The successful collaboration between various law enforcement entities effectively thwarted potential further criminal activity and demonstrated their commitment to community safety.

Local residents are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. Staying informed and engaged with community safety initiatives can significantly aid law enforcement efforts in preventing similar incidents in the future.

A United Front Against Crime

The arrest of the South American Theft Group in Phoenix is a testament to the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in combating crime. As authorities continue to dismantle organized crime networks, collaboration between state and local police remains essential.

Cities across the United States regularly face challenges posed by sophisticated criminal organizations. However, proactive measures and swift action can mitigate risks and ensure public safety across communities.