FONTANA, CA – Authorities have connected two Los Angeles men to a series of burglaries that have plagued Southern California, spanning from the Inland Empire to the high desert. The suspects, 21-year-old Marvin Denson and 23-year-old Justin Clayton, are believed to be responsible for at least 30 break-ins, targeting small businesses, neighborhood food marts, and markets near freeways.
Detectives from multiple law enforcement agencies collaborated to piece together the evidence, which included ten different California license plates, an AR-15, a nine-millimeter handgun, and a variety of stolen goods such as liquor, tobacco, cash, and lottery tickets. The investigation initially began with a burglary in Fontana in early September and quickly expanded as investigators noticed striking similarities in other unsolved cases.
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s investigators noted that the suspects’ methods were consistent across the various crime scenes. The break-ins typically occurred overnight and involved the same types of items being stolen, including ATM machines. The use of a Tesla, which is equipped with built-in video cameras, proved to be a significant error for the suspects, providing crucial evidence for the investigators.
The coordination between city and county law enforcement agencies was instrumental in linking the crimes to Denson and Clayton. Despite heavy workloads, the teamwork and shared resources allowed for a more comprehensive investigation, ultimately leading to the suspects’ identification and arrest.
Authorities emphasized the significance of the collaborative effort, highlighting the challenges of managing such a widespread crime spree. The stolen evidence, now laid out at the Fontana police station, underscores the extent of the suspects’ activities and the impact on local businesses.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to return the stolen property to its rightful owners and ensure that justice is served. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and cooperation in combating crime.