Irvine, Calif. (Nov. 17, 2016) – An observant Irvine resident called police Wednesday after witnessing suspicious activity in her neighborhood, setting off a series of events that led to the arrest of two suspects.
Around 1:30 p.m. on November 16, the Irvine Police Department responded to a call on the 3000 block of Myrtle Street in Irvine. Officers observed two men – later identified as Kolin Javae Johnson, 18, and Billie Ray Lorthridge, 18, both of Compton – exiting a home that had just been burglarized.
Officers quickly detained Johnson and discovered that he was armed with two handguns, one of which belonged to owners of the residence. Lorthridge was able to flee the scene on foot. The Irvine Police Department (IPD) began a search of the area, assisted by IPD K-9 units and a Huntington Beach Police Department helicopter. Officers located Lorthridge hiding in the bushes in Tustin a short time later, and he was apprehended without further incident. Property stolen from the residence and burglary tools were recovered from the suspects.
Lorthridge and Johnson were arrested on charges including burglary and conspiracy. Additionally, Johnson faces charges of possession of a loaded firearm and carrying a concealed firearm. Lorthridge is also charged with resisting arrest. There are no additional suspects in this case, and the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information in this case is asked to contact Irvine Police Detective Amelia Metevia at 949-724-7276 or ametevia@cityofirvine.org.
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