Two Arrested in Alleged iPod, iPhone Thefts

A drunk-driving report led Murrieta police to suspects in an ongoing theft investigation.

On Sunday at 8:18 p.m., officers responded to Hunter and Winchester roads after receiving reports of a possible DUI driver, said Murrieta police Sgt. Robert Anderson in a news release.

Officers were given a vehicle description and license plate number, which they found to be registered to 18-year-old Kevin Ryan Scott Bredesen of Murrieta, the sergeant said. Bredesen was wanted for questioning in a theft case being investigated by Murrieta police Officer Dave Lawlor.

Bredesen is also facing a court date for previous charges of alleged possession of marijuana for sale, according to court records.

Officers found Bredesen's car parked in the area, but it was unoccupied. Further investigation led the officers to 29000 block of Hunter Road, Anderson said, where they found Bredesen and a 17-year-old companion.

Officers were given permission to search Bredesen's vehicle, and found several iPods, iPhones, other cell phones and several GPS units concealed in a hidden compartment in the trunk, according to Anderson.

"Both admitted to being involved in the original theft case Officer Lawlor was investigating, but denied ownership of the newly found property in the vehicle," Anderson said.

Bredesen and his companion were arrested on suspicion of possession of stolen property. Bredesen was booked at Southwest Detention Center; the other suspect was released to his parents with a juvenile petition.

Officer Matt Mozingo located one of the theft victims, who'd had their  GPS unit taken from their unlocked car in the area, Anderson said.

Mozingo is continuing the investigation, which includes trying to locate more victims in the alleged thefts.

"We still have property that we know is stolen but haven’t been able to locate some of the victims," Anderson said. "The three victims we have located so far all had their vehicles broken into near Hunter and Winchester in Murrieta during the past month."

Anderson said police still have several iPods, cell phones and GPS units. Those who believe the items may belong to them can call the Murrieta Police Department at 951-696-3615 and reference case number MR11004912.

The victims will need to describe their property beforehand, Anderson said.