Encino Man Suspected In Ventura Boulevard Window Smashing

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Authorities say they've arrested an Encino man in connection with a series of smashed plate glass windows along Ventura Boulevard from Sherman Oaks to Woodland Hills.

Michael Steven Poret, 58, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of felony vandalism. He is being held in the Van Nuys jail on $60,000, Los Angeles Police detectives said.

Most of the smashed windows were on Ventura Boulevard between Haskell Avenue and Balboa Boulevard. Most of the crimes were committed at night or in the early morning, when it was still dark, police said.

The vandalism began last year, but escalated in recent months.

Police used a search warrant to recover evidence from Poret's house, including BB guns, firearms, sling shots and marbles – all items similar to what was used in the crimes, detectives said.

Rachel Kim, reporting for CBS2 and KCAL9, spoke to Epic Salon owner Jeff Swaner. His windows were busted out twice in one month.

"To find out it's somebody who doesn't have a criminal record and seems really straight and has a successful life and is actually a neighbor of ours...which is crazy."

Poret was arrested for three of the window smash-ups, but police believe he is responsible for many more of the crimes.

Det. William Dunn said the weapons seized were consistent "with the types of weapons used to break the windows. And we've had as many as seven in one day."

Kim also spoke to a Poret neighbor who is in disbelief. Israel Shapira said, "I know the guy for ten years, he's my neighbor. It doesn't seem like Michael is the guy who's gonna shoot out a bunch of windows, no."

Anyone with more information about the case can call LAPD West Valley Burglary Detectives Dunn or Luie Velasquez at (818) 374-7730.

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