WEST HOLLYWOOD—Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department have arrested two suspects in connection to several auto burglaries throughout the West Hollywood region. According to a news release from the LASD, there has been a rise in auto burglaries in the areas of Melrose Avenue and Doheny Drive.

The preliminary facts of this investigation began earlier in the year identifying multiple Bay area affiliated gang members committing auto burglaries in West Hollywood. Detectives have been working with the Los Angeles Police Department Wilshire Division and Beverly Hills Police Department to identify and apprehend the suspect(s) over the past several months.

On September 27, West Hollywood detectives conducted a surveillance operation in anticipation of catching the suspect(s). During the surveillance operation, two suspects were spotted by plainclothes detectives breaking into several parked vehicles. Both suspects were detained and found to be in possession of multiple pieces of stolen property related to multiple auto burglaries.

The suspects were arrested and transported to West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station to be booked. Detectives confirmed both suspects were from the Bay area. Joseph McWoodson, 32, was booked on charges of Burglary (459 PC) and is being held in lieu of $500,000 bail. McWoodson is an associate of a Bay area gang and was arrested on August 3, by the Beverly Hills Police Department, after committing a vehicle burglary and leading officers into a vehicle pursuit. Desiree Hernandez, 29, was booked on charges of Burglary (459 PC) and is being held in lieu of $20,000.oo bail.

Desiree Hernandez.
Photo courtesy of the LASD.

Detectives were able to identify a hotel where both McWoodson and Hernandez were staying and recovered over 50 pieces of stolen property with an estimated value of $15,000 to $20,000. The majority of the items were electronics, laptops and high-end purses.

Detectives have identified some of the property which belongs to victims from the West Hollywood, Los Angeles and Beverly Hills areas. Officials are attempting to identify additional victims or witnesses of auto burglaries to return the property to its rightful owner.

For additional details contact Detective Gaudino at (310) 358-4026.