Sheriff's Deputy Recognized for Breaking Up Malibu Theft Ring

Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's Deputy Edwin Tamayo, an 11-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, received a commendation at Monday's meeting for his role in breaking up a Malibu theft ring. The city had a series of recent thefts, including the taking of items from vehicles parked near Malibu's trails.

Tamayo and an officer trainee recently responded to an alarm call at a business on Pacific Coast Highway, and saw a suspicious vehicle leaving the scene. 

"Deputy Tamayo initiated a traffic stop, which led to the arrest of three burglars and the recovery of numerous items of stolen property," said City Council member Jefferson "Zuma Jay" Wagner. "And in a subsequent interview, the suspects admitted they had been committing burglaries in Malibu over the previous several weeks." 

Upon receiving the commendation, Tamayo said, "I love working here and I love being on the beach team, but also I do care about citizens here and what happens around here, especially with property ... so I'll keep doing what I'm doing and I really appreciate you for giving me an award for this."