Sheriff’s team probing South O.C. home break-ins catches suspects in the act in Back Bay

Two suspects believed to be connected to multiple residential burglaries throughout South Orange County were arrested Saturday, after a sheriff’s investigation team probing home break-ins caught them allegedly burglarizing a home in Newport Beach’s Back Bay.

Found in possession of more than $250,000 in jewelry and stolen items, the individuals attempted to flee the scene in an SUV, colliding with one sheriff’s vehicle before taking off on foot into surrounding backyards, officials reported Tuesday.

Sgt. Ryan Anderson, a spokesman for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, said members of a directed enforcement team believe the suspects arrested Saturday may be linked to other burglaries that took place in Laguna Hills, San Juan Capistrano and Rancho Santa Margarita and are investigating whether accomplices may still be at large.

The incident took place shortly before 9:15 a.m. at a home on the 1600 block of Antigua Way in Newport Beach, where the individuals were interrupted during the alleged commission of a home break-in, Anderson reported.

“The suspects tried to flee in a vehicle,” he said. “There was a short pursuit, and the suspects’ vehicle actually hit an Orange County Sheriff’s vehicle while trying to evade.”

After the collision, the suspects attempted to hideout in the surrounding neighborhood. One reportedly made entry into a residence but was ultimately chased off by the home’s occupant, according to an incident report.

The department deployed resources from its K-9 , Harbor Patrol and Air Support helicopter units in the search for the alleged burglars, while assistance arrived from nearby police departments in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Irvine and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.

Two individuals were located and arrested on charges of residential burglary, grand theft, assault on a peace officer, resisting arrest, evading and conspiracy. Their names, along with other identifying information, was not being released due to the ongoing investigation, Anderson said.

No weapons were found on the suspects or inside the vehicle. Sheriff’s investigators are continuing to look into other possibly related incidents and suspects, he added.

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