Suspect in San Marino Package Thefts Arrested in Pasadena

A suspect was arrested in connection with a series of package thefts in San Marino, authorities said Saturday.

The suspect, George Sam Elali of Reseda, was captured on surveillance video Friday allegedly stealing a package between Dec. 18 through Tuesday, said Sgt. Vince Wilson.

During these thefts, Elali was driving a blue Toyota Prius while officers from the San Marino Police Department, using video surveillance, were able to identify the vehicle and learned it was registered to Elali parked and outside a home in Pasadena, Wilson said.

Detectives began surveilling the area and after approximately two hours, Elali came out of a home that was under construction, got into the Prius and drove away. Police trailed him until he parked in a 1400 block of East Colorado Boulevard parking lot.

After detectives approached him and questioned him about the stolen packages, Elali admitted to committing at least nine package thefts in San Marino, Wilson said

Elali was arrested and booked at the Pasadena Jail for grand theft, receiving stolen property and possession of methamphetamine. His Prius was confiscated because it was being used in the commission of a crime, police said.

Elali was issued a citation to appear in Alhambra Superior Court at a later time, Wilson said.

Authorities encouraged anyone who has been a victim of package theft to call the San Marino Police Department at 626-300-0720.