Five Serial Burglars Arrested 

October 21, 2026 – Los Angeles, CA – Los Angeles Police Department officials report that the Robbery-Homicide Division announced the arrest of five suspects believed to be responsible for a series of residential burglaries in the City and County of Los Angeles.

In February of 2026, a string of residential burglaries occurred in the areas of Tarzana and Woodland Hills. During these incidents, the suspects forced entry into the residences by smashing open the rear sliding glass doors. Once inside, the suspects ransacked the residences, taking jewelry, designer purses, glasses and clothing. Robbery-Homicide Division identified and arrested Manuel Nava and Michael Lewis. The subsequent investigation linked Manuel Nava, Brett Baily, Elijah Smith and Tonice Davis to burglaries in the City of Downey.

(Suspects)

• Manuel Nava, 21 years old, of Hawthorne, CA – Booking No. 7332019, Charge: 459 PC – Burglary, Bail: $165,000.
  • Michael Lewis, 22 years old, of Inglewood, CA – Booking No. 7340910, Charge: 459(a) PC – Burglary, Bail: $150,000.
  • Brett Bailey, 18 years old, of Los Angeles, CA – Booking No. 7303328, Charge: 459 PC – Attempt Burglary, Bail: $50,000.
  • Elijah Smith, 18 years old, of Los Angeles, CA – Booking No. 7303318, Charge: 459 PC – Attempt Burglary, Bail: $90,000.
  • Tonice Davis, 32 years old, of Los Angeles, CA – Booking No. 7303308, Charge: 459 PC – Attempt Burglary, Bail: $90,000.

During the service of search and arrest warrants, detectives from Robbery-Homicide Division seized evidence related to these crimes, including hand-held radios, masks, gloves, Wi-Fi jammers, two vehicles and a cache of weapons and ammunition.

(Evidence)

Detectives are releasing the suspects’ booking photos because investigators believe they are responsible for additional, unreported burglaries. They are asking anyone who has been victimized to contact the LAPD immediately.

Anyone who has been a victim or has information about this investigation is urged to contact Detective Mrakich and Detective Ortega at (213) 486-6840 or email: RHDTIPLINE@LAPD.ONLINE. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to: www.lacrimestoppers.org. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P-3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.

Source & photos: Los Angeles Police Department