3 Gang Members Arrested For Glendale Galleria Theft Linked To Valley Burglary Ring

GLENDALE (CBS) — Three South Los Angeles gang members arrested for ransacking a kiosk at the Glendale Galleria are linked to a larger crime ring targeting affluent areas of the San Fernando Valley, police said Tuesday.

Tairez Smith, 22, Willard Hill, 25, and an unnamed 16-year-old boy were arrested Sunday for stealing two dozen cell phone cases from an AT&T kiosk in the mall, Glendale police said.

The trio entered the Glendale Galleria, stole the merchandise, then fled in a red Buick that was later identified by mall security, police said. The men were pulled over at Columbus Avenue and Hawthorne Street by police who also found memory cards, a thumb drive, iPhone charges, a crowbar and bolt cutters inside the car.

Authorities say the suspects are linked to gang crime ring that has been targeting homes in the San Fernando Valley in recent weeks. Glendale police have arrested seven other suspects in connection to the burglary spree, police said.