Local News in Brief : Teen-Agers Arrested in Series of Auto Thefts and Burglaries

Two of three San Fernando Valley teen-agers arrested Wednesday are believed to have been involved in a series of auto thefts and as many as 80 auto burglaries across northern Los Angeles County, authorities said.

The third teen-ager participated in only one of the auto thefts, authorities said.

The three 17-year-olds were taken into custody at Monroe High School after they were identified by two 16-year-olds arrested Tuesday on suspicion of stealing a car, said Sgt. Greg Palmieri of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The two 16-year-olds are also believed to have been involved in the ring.

Two of the 17-year-olds were arrested on suspicion of grand theft auto and suspicion of burglary. The third was arrested on suspicion of receiving stolen property.

One of the two 16-year-olds arrested Tuesday was said to be the group’s leader. He is believed to have masterminded at least four auto thefts, a home burglary and as many as 80 auto burglaries, Palmieri said.

All five teen-agers have acknowledged being involved in a Glendale-based gang that burglarizes and steals cars, Palmieri said.

The three arrested Wednesday were released to their parents after they were questioned by sheriff’s deputies.

One of the teen-agers arrested Tuesday was also released to his parents. The other, who authorities believe is the leader of the ring, was shot in the foot by a sheriff’s deputy and is recovering in the jail ward at County-USC Medical Center.