Alleged Burglary Crew Arrested In String Of El Pollo Loco Break-Ins

WESTMINSTER (CBSLA.com) — Authorities say they have busted a trio they believe are responsible for dozens of burglaries targeting El Pollo Loco restaurants throughout Southern California over the past three months.

Kevin Henry, 32, and Travis Laguisan, 41, were arrested early Wednesday as they broke into an El Pollo Loco restaurant on Beach Boulevard in Stanton while being observed by detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's burglary-robbery task force, sheriff's officials said. The pair was first seen allegedly casing another El Pollo Loco restaurant in Westminster, before a maintenance worker arrived.

Kevin Henry remains in custody on $500,000 bail, while Laguisan is being held without bail. Both men are scheduled to make their first court appearance Friday.

The detectives had been investigating the burglaries of 27 similar late-night and early morning hour burglaries at El Pollo Loco restaurants throughout Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Cash losses, along with damages were estimated to be nearly $225,000, sheriff's officials said. Investigators believe the three suspects may have burglarized two more restaurants earlier Wednesday morning.

During the investigation, the detectives gathered information that led to them following Henry and Laguisan, authorities said.

The detectives observed the two men walk up to the side glass door of the restaurant and smash in the glass, officials said. According to detectives, Henry entered the restaurant while Laguisan stayed outside as a "lookout." Within a few minutes, authorities say Henry emerged from the broken door carrying a bag and both men ran back to their car.

The detectives, along with Garden Grove police officers, stopped them men as they drove away from the area and found stolen cash and other evidence linking them to their crime spree, authorities said.

The investigation continued at a home in the 9300 block of Jenrich Avenue in Westminster, where a third suspect – 34-year-old Jason M. Henry – was detained and more evidence of the crime spree was recovered, officials said.

Jail records for Jason Henry were not available.

Investigators believe there may be more suspects involved in this crime spree. Anyone with information about these crimes can contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Major Crimes Bureau at (562) 946-7187.