Arrest Made In Connection To String Of Armed Burglaries In Corona

CORONA (CBSLA.com) — An 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of being connected to a string of armed residential burglaries in Corona.

Dezmen Jack Tia, of Corona, was taken into custody on Sunday night on suspicion of burglary, being in possession of stolen property, and controlled substances. Bail information has not yet been released for Tia, who is being held at the Robert Presley Detention Center in Riverside.

Officers were summoned to the Ashton Apartments in the 2100 block of Russell Drive some time around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday to investigate a burglary in progress, according to Corona police Sgt. Kim Velasco.

After authorities arrived on the scene, a man, who matched the suspected burglar's description, attempted to flee, running west on Valley WOod Street.

Velasco suggested that, with the help of witnesses, officers were able to corner the suspect and arrest him without any further incident.

"Tia was positively identified from a prior burglary on June 18," Velasco said. "He was also found in possession of methamphetamine and stolen property from another burglary in the area."

Tia reportedly matches the a composite sketch of a man wanted in connection with a string of burglaries around the area of Promenade Avenue, which is between Buchanan and McKinley avenues.

While breaking into one residence, the suspect, who was wearing a hood, reportedly shot and killed a family dog, according to Velasco.

Anyone who has information about the case is being asked to call Corona police at (951) 736-2330.

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