GLENDALE, Calif. (KTLA) — Authorities reported on Saturday that they have taken into custody two men accused of conspiring to infiltrate a wedding in Glendale, California, and abscond with valuable gifts from the reception.
The individuals charged with grand theft, named by the Glendale Police Department as Los Angeles residents Armean Shirehjini and Andranik Avetisyan, are accused of taking $60,000 in cash along with a gift box containing multiple checks.
The robbery reportedly occurred last week at the Renaissance Banquet Hall. Although details are scarce, authorities stated Shirehjini, unfamiliar to the victims, bolted from the establishment with the gifts and entered a getaway vehicle with Avetisyan at the wheel, making their escape in a black SUV.
Glendale Police Burglary Detectives spent the ensuing week analyzing video footage and utilizing various techniques to pinpoint the suspects, culminating in their capture at Shirehjini’s residence in Sherman Oaks on Friday.
Upon arrest, police found Shirehjini, the main suspect, in possession of a handgun. It remains unclear if there was an attempt to use the weapon, but no gunshots have been reported.
Subsequent search warrants at the residences of both suspects uncovered a substantial quantity of cash and checks payable to the wedding’s victims. Moreover, detectives unearthed several firearms and various drugs in both homes.
“Detectives are still processing a significant amount of evidence and will continue their work through the weekend, as this is an ongoing investigation,” stated the police department.
Anyone with additional information related to this investigation is urged to contact the Glendale Police Burglary Detectives at 818-548-3127.
