Feb. 13--A Cal State Long Beach student has been charged with burglary and police said he may be responsible for a recent uptick in baggage thefts at Los Angeles International Airport.
Ryan Green, 23, was arrested Sunday during a surveillance operation launched by authorities after baggage thefts increased, according to airport police. Green is facing five felony counts of commercial burglary. He is being held in lieu of $125,000 bail.
Investigators said more luggage than usual was being stolen from the south side terminals at LAX and they believed Green was responsible for the recent thefts.
During the surveillance operation, investigators observed Green picking up luggage from passenger baggage claim carousels, police said. They tracked Green as he went into a men's restroom, entered a stall and searched through the luggage. They later saw him throwing away luggage and arrested him as he tried to leave the airport.
Green, who said he flew from San Jose to LAX on Sunday, admitted to stealing the luggage, police said.
Los Angeles Airport Police Chief Patrick Gannon said the luggage that was stolen was returned to its owners.
No other details were available. This article will be updated.
