Four people suspected of running an identity theft ring were arrested when police discovered counterfeit credit cards, fake cash and drug paraphernalia at an El Segundo hotel, police said Monday.
Another man was sought Monday in connection with the alleged crimes, El Segundo police Lt. Jaime Bermudez said.
The arrests occurred Thursday when police opened an investigation into activities at an El Segundo hotel room rented by 28-year-old Ryan Stirling, Bermudez said. Police did not identify the hotel.
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Officers served a search warrant on the room, finding a credit card embosser, blank credit cards, counterfeit cash, dangerous drugs and paperwork listing victims’ personal financial information, Bermudez said.
Stirling was not there, but during the investigation, four other people arrived at the room. Arrested were Alexa Garrido, 31; Tony Dennis, 43; Morgan Ryan, 33; and Joey Lizarraga, 29, who ditched a gun and ran. Officers tracked him down and took him into custody, Bermudez said.
The loaded gun was recently stolen in Henderson, Nev., he said.
Lizarraga and Stirling were released early from jail early under the state’s realignment program to reduce prison overcrowding, and were wanted on probation violations, Bermudez said.
Each has an extensive record involving drugs, fraud, theft and violent offenses, police said.
Dennis is on probation for narcotics violations and assault. Garrido was released on bail three days earlier from another arrest, police said.
