Pair Arrested for Identity Theft

On Feb. 20 at approximately 10:30 p.m., a patrol officer observed a vehicle with no front license plate travel westbound on San Fernando Road from Alameda Avenue. 

The officer conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and contacted the driver, 25-year-old Devin Scagnelli of Van Nuys, and the passenger, 24-year-old Jade Abundo of Oxnard, regarding the violation. During a search of the vehicle, officers located multiple drivers’ licenses, credit cards, debit cards and EDD cards all belonging to other people along with methamphetamine pipes.

Scagnelli and Abundo were subsequently arrested for identity theft and possessing drug paraphernalia. Due to Los Angeles County’s emergency “zero-dollar” bail schedule, Scagnelli and Abundo were both released hours later with a notice to appear in court. 

_________________________________________

Male Arrested for Vehicle Theft and DUI After Vehicle Pursuit

On Feb. 19 just before 10 p.m., patrol officers responded to the area of Adams and Maple streets regarding a male causing a disturbance in the area. Upon arrival, officers discovered that a vehicle theft had just occurred. Officers located the stolen vehicle driving in the immediate area and initiated a traffic stop, but the suspect fled and a vehicle pursuit ensued. Eventually, the driver, identified as 28-year-old Joel Cotrina of Glendale, yielded to officers on the 1500 block of East Garfield Avenue and was taken into custody. During a search of the vehicle, officers located what appeared to be crack cocaine on the driver’s seat.

The vehicle was recovered and released to the registered owner. Cotrina was arrested and booked for evading, vehicle theft and for driving under the influence.

_________________________________________

Male Found in Possession of Two Loaded Handguns, Heroin and Evidence of ID Theft

On Feb. 16 just before 5:30 p.m., officers assigned to the Special Enforcement Detail (SED) of the Glendale Police Dept. observed a male, later identified as 34-year-old Karen Vahanyan of Glendale, walk up to a business on the 300 block of West Los Feliz Road. Officers noticed Vahanyan was not wearing a face covering, then saw him come into contact with an employee at the business while still not wearing a face covering, in violation of the Glendale Municipal Code.

As the officers exited their vehicle to speak with Vahanyan regarding the violation, he fled on foot. Officers chased Vahanyan and observed him drop two bags he was carrying. Shortly after this, Vahanyan tripped over his own feet, fell down and was taken into custody.

A search of Vahanyan revealed a loaded stolen handgun in his jacket pocket, another loaded handgun in a small bag he had around his neck and heroin. Vahanyan in his wallet also had multiple ID cards and ATM cards in other people’s names. During the investigation, officers discovered that Vahanyan was wanted by Glendale detectives in connection with an open burglary case.

Vahanyan was arrested and booked for multiple charges including carrying a loaded firearm in public, felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, burglary, identity theft and obstruction.