NEWS: GPD solves string of robberies & thefts

Release by Sgt. Paul Tapao

For the Guam Police Department

The following is a news release from Sgt. Paul Tapao, spokesman for the Guam Police Department

The Guam Police Department took four (4) male minors into custody relative to numerous burglary and theft complaints.

Preliminary police reports suggest that a theft of a motor vehicle complaint was generated on December 21 at the Micronesia Mall.

On December 31, GPD entertained five (5) burglary to a vehicle; one (1) burglary to a home and two (2) vehicle thefts in the Tamuning area. A Honda Ridgeline was highlighted as one of the vehicles stolen within the complaints.

On January 1, 2020, an injured person's complaint was generated at the Guam Memorial Hospital. The case involved a male individual who attempted to stop an in progress car break-in at the Marbo Cave area in Mangilao. In the attempt to stop the individuals, the male victim fell to ground and sustained head injuries which required immediate treatment and care at the Guam Memorial Hospital's Intensive Care Unit. Through the course of this investigation, detectives learned that the stolen Honda Ridgeline was identified as the suspect vehicle.

Through the course of the day, officers entertained a burglary to a vehicle complaint at a home in Chalan Pago. It was reported to police that a firearm had been stolen.

Detectives assigned to GPD'S Criminal Investigation Division, Juvenile Investigation Division and the Domestic Assault Response Team, were able to apprehend a person of interest relative to the investigation and recovered the two (2) stolen vehicles.

Through the course of the follow up investigation, detectives learned of other individuals connected to the string of thefts.

Detectives were able to take into custody a:

-17-year-old, male for the following offenses: Theft of a Motor Vehicle// Burglary to a Vehicle// Theft of Property// Conspiracy// Guilt Established by Complicity// Reckless Conduct// Possession of a Firearms Without a Valid Identification// Destruction of Evidence and Beyond Control

-16-year-old male was charged for: Burglary// Conspiracy// Guilt Established by Complicity// Theft of a Motor Vehicle// Aggravated Assault and Reckless Conduct

-16-year-old, male was charged for: Burglary to a Vehicle// Conspiracy// Guilt Established by Complicity// Criminal Facilitation and Theft of a Motor Vehicle

-16-year-old male was charged for: 7counts of Burglary// 5 counts of Theft of Property// Conspiracy and Theft of a Motor Vehicle

On January 16, 47-year-old, Gina Bamba for Hindering Apprehension and Obstruction of Government Operations. She was booked and released.

Also arrested was 49-year-old, Vince Junior Bamba was also arrested for Burglary to a Vehicle// Destruction of Evidence// Criminal Facilitation and Obstruction of Government Operations. He was booked and confined at the Department of Corrections.

On January 16, three (3) of the male suspects were confined at the Department of Youth Affairs, where two (2) of three (3) minors were released the following day. The last of the male suspect was confined at the Department of Youth Affairs on January 17, where he was later released the same day.

This case has been forwarded to the Office of the Attorney General for prosecution.