Caught! Oceanside Jewelry Thief Suspect Nabbed By Laguna Police

OCEANSIDE, CA — An Oceanside resident is suspect in a series of jewelry store robberies in Laguna Beach. After an extensive investigation, 30-year-old Edward Torrison of Oceanside was arrested by LBPD detectives, Tuesday.

Over the summer, the Shops at the Cliffs shopping center was burglarized in multiple locations, with over $200,000 in merchandise stolen, according to the Laguna Beach Police Department.

"Detectives from the Laguna Beach Police Department began investigating the burglaries from July 26, believing early on that they were related to a series of burglaries occurring in South Orange County," LBPD Sgt. James Cota said. "During their investigation, detectives identified one of the suspects, 30-year-old Edward Torrison, a resident of Oceanside."

On Tuesday, detectives from LBPD went to Oceanside and located Torrison at a home where he resides with his girlfriend.

"As Torrison was leaving the residence, detectives attempted to detain him, and he fled on foot," Cota said. "After a short foot pursuit, Torrison was placed under arrest."

Detectives served a search warrant on Torrison’s residence and located an estimated $500,000 in stolen jewelry as well as two loaded firearms, according to LBPD release.

"Torrison was transported to Laguna Beach, and he was subsequently booked into Orange County Jail," Cota said.

Torrison is facing multiple theft and burglary related charges, as well as being a felon in possession of a firearm.

“This arrest was the culmination of an excellent police work coupled with a steadfast determination by our investigations unit to apprehend the offenders. It serves as a reminder that when individuals commit a crime in Laguna Beach, we will leave no stone unturned to bring the perpetrators to justice.” LBPD Capt. Jeff Calvert said.

The investigation is ongoing, and the Laguna Beach Police Department is working with law enforcement agencies throughout Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego Counties to identify additional victims.
The second suspect is still outstanding and is encouraged to turn himself into the Laguna Beach Police Department, Cota said.

Anyone with any information regarding this investigation is encouraged to call the Laguna Beach Police Department at (949) 497-0701. For further information, please contact Sergeant Jim Cota at (949) 464-6671 or jcota@lagunabeachcity.net.

Photos, courtesy Laguna Beach Police Department