Suspect arrested in theft of 55 computers from UCLA

WESTWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- UCLA Police arrested a suspect Tuesday in connection to the theft of 55 laptop computers stolen from a UCLA library early Saturday morning, according to the university.

A suspect smashed an east-facing ground-level window of the Charles E. Young Research Library at about 2:26 a.m. Saturday, then smashed a door-window to a room where computers were loaned to library patrons with a hammer, according to the university.

The suspect was recorded on security video leaving the room with three roller suitcases and a shoulder bag at 2:41 a.m. Saturday.

"He's pretty brazen and definitely has planned out part of this operation," UCLA police Lt. Mark Littlestone said.

The suspect is described as a white male about 5 feet 10 inches tall with a medium build, wearing UCLA sweatpants and blue Adidas running shoes.

The value of the stolen property was estimated at $33,000.

The suspect is similar in appearance to a suspect recorded stealing laptop computers from Ackerman Union on Sept. 28.

The equipment-loan room at the Young Research Library is temporarily closed, the university said. Police believe the suspect may be a UCLA student or a staff member given how well he knows the campus and its popular computer labs.

"Somebody had to know that location," Littlestone said. "It was clear from what we've seen so far and what we've heard that this seemed to be the suspect's intent -- to go to that office and remove those computers."

Police ask that anybody with information about the suspect or the crime contact UCLA Police at (310) 825-1491.