Wedding Crasher Suspected of Stealing $60,000 in Gifts Arrested in Glendale
A seemingly joyous wedding reception in Glendale turned into a nightmare for the newlyweds when thieves, posing as guests, allegedly stole a staggering $60,000 in gifts. The Glendale Police Department acted quickly, using surveillance footage and community support to track down the culprits in just a matter of days. The two suspects behind the theft were arrested, and authorities discovered more criminal activity during the investigation.
The Theft at the Wedding Reception
The wedding took place at the Renaissance Banquet Hotel in Glendale, where George and Nadine Farhat were celebrating their special day. What should have been a joyous occasion for the couple was marred when a man, later identified as Armin Stringini, allegedly posed as a guest at the wedding and made off with a box containing the wedding gifts, worth around $60,000.
The theft was not a random crime of opportunity; Stringini and his accomplice, Andranik Avetisyan, had planned the heist carefully. Police believe the suspects communicated through earpieces to coordinate their actions. As Stringini exited the banquet hall with the stolen gifts, Avetisyan was already waiting for him outside with the car door open in the alley, ready for a swift getaway. The suspects’ smooth operation raised suspicion, and authorities were able to recover crucial evidence that would help in their pursuit.
Investigation and Arrests
Glendale police worked tirelessly to identify and capture the suspects. The break in the case came through a combination of community tips, surveillance footage, and quick investigative work. In less than a week, officers were able to locate Stringini and Avetisyan. When they were apprehended, the police found not only stolen checks and cash but also a large quantity of narcotics and firearms. This discovery added further weight to the charges they would face, including grand theft, commercial burglary, conspiracy, and possession of drugs and weapons.
The investigation revealed a disturbing picture of organized criminal activity, with the suspects potentially involved in much more than just a wedding heist. Police expressed relief that they had recovered some of the stolen money and checks, hoping that further investigation would lead to even more evidence. Despite their success in apprehending the suspects, authorities were still trying to piece together the full scope of the criminals’ plans.
Community Response and Support
The theft had left the Farhat family devastated, but they found comfort in the overwhelming support from the Glendale community. Despite the trauma caused by the crime, they expressed gratitude to the police for their hard work and dedication in bringing the thieves to justice. The couple also noted that while the incident had soured their wedding day, the kindness and solidarity shown by friends, family, and strangers alike had provided them with some solace during this challenging time.
George and Nadine were quick to emphasize that they would hold on to the joy of their wedding day, despite the negative turn of events. Their positive attitude in the face of adversity was a reminder that even in the wake of crime and loss, community support could bring healing and hope.
No Connection to the Couple or Venue
According to the police, there does not appear to be any direct connection between the suspects and the Farhat family or the venue. Both Stringini and Avetisyan were not previously known to have any criminal history, which made the crime even more shocking. The fact that the suspects seemed to be opportunistic criminals, targeting an event with no personal connection to the victims, made the case more disturbing.
Despite the lack of a previous criminal record, the suspects are now facing serious charges. They are set to be arraigned on Tuesday, and the charges they face could result in lengthy prison sentences. While the full extent of their criminal activities is still being investigated, the discovery of drugs and weapons adds a layer of concern for law enforcement, who are now working to determine whether there was more to the crime than initially believed.
The Ongoing Investigation
As the investigation continues, Glendale police remain focused on uncovering any additional information that could shed light on the suspects’ motives and whether they were involved in other criminal activities. There is a possibility that the two men were planning more than just a robbery at the wedding. The police are also trying to determine whether the suspects had any links to other criminal networks or were planning larger heists.
For now, Stringini and Avetisyan remain in custody, and the Farhat family is thankful for the swift action of law enforcement. However, the investigation is ongoing, and Glendale police are determined to piece together the full story behind the stolen gifts, narcotics, and weapons that were discovered during the arrest.
Conclusion
The theft of $60,000 in wedding gifts shocked the Glendale community, but thanks to the diligent work of the Glendale Police Department and the support of the community, the thieves were quickly apprehended. The suspects, Stringini and Avetisyan, face multiple charges, including grand theft, commercial burglary, conspiracy, and drug-related offenses. While the Farhat family continues to recover from the traumatic experience, they are grateful for the support they’ve received and the swift justice that has been served. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen whether more details about the suspects’ criminal activities will emerge, but for now, justice has been served for the newlyweds and their community.