3 Arrested For Allegedly Using Flat Tire Scam To Steal Cash

TORRANCE, CA – A man and two women were arrested in Torrance for allegedly slashing the tire on a car belonging to an ATM user, and then robbing cash from the car while the victim changed the tire, police said Thursday. The trio is suspected of multiple crimes that netted them at least $80,000, according to the Torrance Police Department.

"Detectives investigated two separate cases that occurred in mid- February which involved victims being followed from banks, being distracted by a suspect who flattened their tire, and having their money stolen from their vehicle," according to Torrance Police Department Sgt. Ronald Harris.

Investigators conducted surveillance and worked with Glendale Police Department investigators and other agencies in the South Bay area before arresting Omar Baltazar, 39; Monica Diaz-Sanchez, 39; and Sandra Baltazar-Diaz, 18, on Monday Harris said. More than $80,000 in suspected stolen money was recovered, according to the sergeant.

Police believe the Hawthorne residents are responsible for multiple crimes in Southern California and in other states, Harris said. It was unclear how the three suspects are related.

Omar Baltazar was being held at the Men's Central Jail in downtown Los Angeles in lieu of $500,000 bail, according to sheriff's inmate records. The custody status of the two women was not immediately available.

A man and two women arrested in Torrance for allegedly slashing a tire on a vehicle belonging to an ATM user and then robbing cash from the vehicle while the victim changed the tire, are suspected of being responsible for multiple crimes that netted them at least $80,000, police said Thursday.

"Detectives investigated two separate cases that occurred in mid- February which involved victims being followed from banks, being distracted by a suspect who flattened their tire, and having their money stolen from their vehicle," according to Torrance Police Department Sgt. Ronald Harris.

Investigators conducted surveillance and worked with Glendale Police Department investigators and other agencies in the South Bay area and on Monday arrested Omar Baltazar, 39; Monica Diaz-Sanchez, 39; and Sandra Baltazar-Diaz, 18, Harris said. More than $80,000 in suspected stolen money was recovered, according to the sergeant.

Police believe the Hawthorne residents are responsible for multiple crimes in Southern California and in other states, Harris said. It was unclear how the three suspects are related.

Omar Baltazar was being held at the Men's Central Jail in downtown Los Angeles in lieu of $500,000 bail, according to sheriff's inmate records. The custody status of the two women was not immediately available.

City News Service contributed to this post