DNA Helps Break Unsolved OC Jewelry Store Robberies

A North Hollywood man suspected of burglarizing jewelry stores in Fountain Valley and Tustin was arrested today.

DNA evidence from both crime scenes linked the burglaries to Victor Barba Herrera. A search warrant was issued for his residence in the 6700 block of Ensign Avenue in North Hollywood, said Fountain Valley Police Department Sgt. Ron Varner.

Detectives found potential stolen property and burglary tools during the search, Varner said.

Herrera, 50, was located inside the residence and arrested. He was booked at Orange County Jail and is being held on $100,000 bail, Varner said.

The Ballard and Ballard jewelry store in Fountain Valley was burglarized at 3:11 a.m. on Nov. 2, Varner said. The suspect entered the business by cutting a hole in the roof, then disabled the alarm system.

The suspect fled undetected with property.

Tustin Village Jewelers in Tustin were burglarized on April 20, 2014, with the suspect entering the business by cutting a hole in the roof of a neighboring business, then tunneled into the store, Varner said.

The suspect took a combined $700,000 in jewelry in the two robberies, Varner said.

City News Service