5 suspected White Power members arrested in high school burglary

Five suspected White Power gang members were arrested Wednesday on suspicion of breaking into Eastside High School in Lancaster and stealing more than $15,000 in property and causing about $22,000 in damage to classrooms.

In a statement, Los Angeles County sheriff’s investigators said they arrested David Van Rossum, 18, and four others between the ages of 15 to 17 on suspicion of burglary and felony vandalism. Rossum is being held in lieu of $20,000 bail.

One 17-year-old juvenile was taken to Sylmar Juvenile Detention Center. The others were released to their legal guardians, authorities said. They were not immediately identified because they are minors.

Three of the suspects were arrested in Lancaster and two others were arrested in nearby Rosamond. Several of the stolen items from the March 2 break-in were recovered at the suspects’ homes, authorities said, adding that those arrested were former Eastside High School students.

Among the items recovered were 20 guitars, five amplifiers, a sound mixer, a desktop computer, a laptop computer and some school clothing, authorities said.

Anyone with information about the burglary is asked to call the Lancaster sheriff’s station at (661) 948-8466.

ruben.vives@latimes.com
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