Home Invasion Suspect Threatens to Kill Family; Hate Crime Enhancement Added to Arrest

STUDIO CITY, LOS ANGELES, Oct. 25 (KNN) — A suspect was arrested for stalking and criminal threats, along with a hate crime enhancement for what the suspect was yelling at victims while breaking into an occupied home in Studio City early Wednesday morning.

The Los Angeles Police Department’s North Hollywood Division units responded to a home invasion in progress at approximately 5:20 a.m. in the 3000 block Laurel Canyon Boulevard.

The female homeowner told 911 operators that a man had broken in through the door and had entered the residence where she was with her four children.

The man threatened to kill her and her family while she was on the phone to police. Her husband managed to push the man out of the house.

When officers arrived on scene, they located the suspect in the backyard armed with a kitchen knife.

The suspect, a male in his 30s, was arrested without further incident for stalking/criminal threats. He was later identified as Daniel Garcia, a male Hispanic, wearing only underwear, according to the LAPD. The suspect was heard yelling, “Free Palestine” and “Kill Jews, kill Jews.”

Preliminary information indicated the suspect entered the rear yard and kicked in the rear door of the residence causing the door to open, reported the LAPD.

“Based on the investigation at scene, this incident is being investigated as a possible hate crime,” stated the LAPD.

Upon further investigation into the incident, LAPD’s North Hollywood detectives learned that Garcia, possibly suffering from mental illness, acted alone.

“His actions appeared motivated by the victims’ religious beliefs. In addition, it appeared Garcia may have prior contacts with the victims,” according to the LAPD’s news release of the incident.

Garcia was subsequently booked at Van Nuys jail for stalking and criminal threats with a hate crime enhancement. His bail is currently set at $225,000, according to the news release.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is asked to contact North Hollywood Detectives at 818-754-8301. During non-business hours, or on weekends, contact 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu. Tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.

Gabriel Pabon, Video Journalist / KNN