Flash Mob Burglary Suspect Arrested Amid Crackdown On Organized Crime

LOS ANGELES, CA — Detectives on Thursday arrested the first suspect in the flash-mob-style smash-and-grab robbery at the Americana at Brand mall in which dozens of thieves made off with $400,000 in merchandis.

The high-profile robbery last week was the first in a spree of such robberies in which mobs overwhelm staff at high-end stories, stealing nearly $1 million in goods in just three heists. Thursday's arrest marks the first in connection with the spree, and they come as police and local leaders announced a crackdown on organized retail theft. Gavin Newsom on Thursday said the state would triple the California Highway Patrol's resources to combat retail theft in the Los Angeles area.

The Glendale Police Department arrested a 23-year-old Ivan Isaac Ramirez of Los Angeles in connection with the Aug. 8 robbery at the Yves Saint Laurent store at the mall. He was booked on suspicion of organized retail theft, burglary, grand theft and conspiracy.

Police are also looking for 21-year- old Brianna Jimenez, of Los Angeles. Jimenez is suspected of taking part in the robbery as well. Detectives released her picture in hopes of generating tips leading to her arrest.

According to the Glendale Police Department, Jimenez was allegedly spotted on surveillance video participating in the daytime burglary involving at least 30 suspects ransacking the Yves Saint Laurent store, with the mob pilfering about $400,000 in merchandise.

The flash-mob burglary remains under investigation.

"I assure all members of the Glendale community and the broader Los Angeles region that these brazen smash-and-grab robberies and burglaries will not be tolerated. This marks the first arrest related to this crime and there are more arrests to come," Glendale police Chief Manny Cid said in a statement.

Caruso, the owner of Americana at Brand, is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of perpetrators responsible for the robbery.

The company, owned by former Los Angeles mayoral candidate Rick Caruso, issued a statement Thursday in response to the arrest, saying, "Our heartfelt thanks goes out to the Glendale Police Department for their swift and decisive actions leading to the first arrest for the theft at Saint Laurent. The relentless efforts of the GPD showcases their professionalism and dedication to upholding the safety and integrity of our community."

Anyone with information regarding the flash-mob burglary was urged to contact the GPD at 818-548-4911. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

On Monday morning, representatives of various Southland law enforcement agencies, including Glendale police, held a news conference with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to announce a task force dedicated to investigating large-scale smash-and-grab robberies.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.