NORTH HOLLYWOOD (CNS) - A 62-year-old man who police are calling a ''prolific commercial burglary suspect'' is in custody today.
Reuben Virgil Newhouse is believed to be responsible for more than 70 commercial burglaries in the San Fernando Valley since October 2020, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Newhouse's alleged nearly 1 1/2-year crime spree ended when North Hollywood and Devonshire detectives arrested him on March 1 and after obtaining a search warrant for his apartment police recovered several items taken from various business, along with a set of burglary tools.
According to LAPD, Newhouse targeted small businesses, breaking into them in the early morning hours using rocks or a hammer to break the front door glass or a window, usually between 2- and 4 a.m.
Most of the burglaries were caught on video.
Newhouse is being held on $505,000 bail and faces 23 second-degree burglary charges. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 8.
Anyone with additional information regarding the burglaries is asked to call North Hollywood detectives at 818-754-8412. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can call the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800- 222-TIPS.