Two alleged gang members are suspected in the burglary of four cars—one of which was tagged "SMG" for Santa Monica Gang—last week in a parking garage in the 800 block of Euclid Street, according to the Santa Monica Police Department.
The suspects, identified by police as Allen Juarez, 18, and Taylor Olivarez, 23, were arrested after a search aided by a helicopter about 2:20 a.m. June 23, but have been released while the District Attorney's office reviews the case.
"We asked for further investigation so no charges have been filed yet," said D.A. spokeswoman Jane Robison.
Police Sgt. Richard Lewis said the suspects were identified by a witness who had spotted two men inside the garage holding what looked like numerous items taken from cars. The men fled after the witness yelled out to them, he said.
When they arrived, officers found four vehicles in the garage that had been broken into, Lewis said.
One of the men was arrested a few blocks away in the 1400 block of California Avenue shortly after police arrived. The other allegedly fled and was arrested after emerging from a property in the 1100 block of 15th Street, Lewis said.
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