LAX CRIME TASK FORCE ARRESTS COMMERCIAL BURGLARY SUSPECT

(Los Angeles, California – August 3, 2012)  Los Angeles Airport Police and Los Angeles Police Department Joint Crime Task Force (LAX-CTF) arrested a burglary suspect for stealing luggage at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), after they received a tip and established a surveillance team in the airport parking structures.

The suspect, 54-year-old Hawthorne resident Fidel Enrique Fleites, was observed by the LAX Crime Task Force detectives removing victims’ luggage from a baggage carousel at LAX.  The task force detectives obtained a search warrant and Fleites was arrested at his residence on July 19, 2012, at approximately 3:45 p.m. for California Penal Code Section 459 – Commercial Burglary.  As a result of the search warrant, detectives seized jewelry, electronics, clothing and miscellaneous personal items from the suspect’s residence, which were later returned to the victims.  Fleites was booked at the LAPD Pacific Division Jail without incident. 

            Los Angeles Airport Police Chief Michael Hyams said, “This arrest highlights the close cooperation and continuous teamwork of the LAX Crime Task Force.  The positive results of our joint operations contribute to LAX’s reputation as one of the safest airports in the United States.”  

Los Angeles Police Department Captain Raymond Maltez added, “If you would like to report a crime to the LAX Crime Task Force, please call (424) 646-6616 or email at nocrimelax@gmail.com .”  If you see something, say something – airport security is everyone’s business.