By DAYNA DRUM | Reporter
An alleged car burglar who targeted the wrong Palisadian and ended up in the hospital last week has been identified by police as 26-year-old George Andrew.
Andrew has been charged with burglary from a motor vehicle, according to LAPD detective Brent Hopkins, but maintains his innocence despite being caught in the act.
In the early morning of Monday, Aug. 8, Andrew claims he was taking a walk down Bienveneda Avenue when resident Scott Blakely started chasing after him and then attacked him. Blakely’s account alleges that he found Andrew and an accomplice inside two of the family’s cars outside of his Marquez Knolls home.
Andrew fled as Blakely pursued on foot, and the two got into an altercation in the middle of the street. When Andrew withdrew what appeared to be a weapon, Blakely slashed at the weapon-holding hand and held him until police arrived.
It was later discovered that what was mistaken for a weapon was actually only a flashlight, Senior Lead Officer Michael Moore told the Palisadian-Post.
Andrew has not yet provided any information about his alleged accomplice, who Blakely recalls was wearing a mask.
There have been multiple other reports of vehicle break-ins around the Palisades, and Hopkins said it wouldn’t surprise him if these suspects were related to those incidents as well.
While Officer Moore explained that all citizens have the right to detain someone who is committing a crime, he strongly advised against confronting anyone with a weapon. He also added that this particular situation could’ve ended tragically, but added that Blakely had good intentions.
Hopkins encouraged residents to report break-ins to aide in catching the people responsible.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.