Police: Woman Disguised As Painter Caught Breaking Into Unfinished Home
MANHATTAN BEACH (CBSLA) — Police are asking for the public's help in finding a Long Beach woman who was allegedly caught attempting to burglarize a home under construction.
Alisha Tapia, 29, is believed to have disguised herself as a painter before trying to break into the unfinished home around 2 p.m. Sunday in the 100 block of 32nd Place, according to Manhattan Beach police Sgt. Tim Zins.
"The female was described as wearing a white painter's suit and ventilator mask to disguise her identity," Zins said.
Police say the homeowner chased the suspect and snapped a photo of her as she ran off.
The woman was later identified by the homeowner as Tapia, and detectives obtained a warrant for her arrest on suspicion of attempted burglary, vandalism, and possession of burglary tools, Zins said.
Tapia - whose last known address was in Long Beach - was described as Hispanic, 5'4" tall, 155 pounds, with brown hair and eyes.
Anyone with information on her whereabouts was urged to call police at (310) 802-5140 or (310) 802-5123.
(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)