Behind the Badge
Fullerton police say a vigilant resident helped lead to the arrest of two L.A. men this week who are suspected of committing four so-called “knock-knock” burglaries in the city.
In a news release Thursday, the FPD said they arrested Michael Billingsly, 35 and Evan Blakely, 35, Monday, July 27 on suspicion of burglary and possession of stolen property.
According to police, Billingsly and Blakely knocked on the door of a home in the 2000 block of Via Mirada. After no one answered, the men went around to the back yard, but barking dogs inside the house scared them off. The resident noticed the two men, called 911 and provided a detailed description of the suspects and their vehicle.
Shortly after the call went out, a nearby officer pulled over a vehicle that matched the description.
The passenger fled the scene on foot but was found under a woodpile and arrested. The driver also was arrested. Officers searched the vehicle and found stolen property from at least two other residences in the area, according to the news release.
FPD detectives believe the two suspects are responsible for a string of burglaries involving at least four other Fullerton residences.
“Knock-knock” burglaries have increased in recent years in Orange County, police say. In such crimes, suspects will knock on the door of a home at random and, when no one answers, they will either force their way through the front door or move to the back or side yards and try to get in another way.
The Fullerton Police Department urges residents to remain vigilant and never hesitate to call 911 when they see something suspicious. Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call the FPD at 714-738-6800 or Det. Ginny Johnson at 714-738-6880. Those wishing to provide information anonymously can call the Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS or visit their website at www.crimestoppers.org.
