Hearing set for alleged Kmart shooter

A preliminary hearing for the homeless man accused of shooting two police officers outside a busy Kmart is scheduled for March 1 in Burbank.

Police say Jamie Willard managed to grab an officer’s gun and begin firing despite being handcuffed behind his back outside the Kmart on July 2.

Willard, 30, pleaded not guilty in July to two counts of attempted murder and other charges.

His bail has risen to more than $3 million. He remains in custody.

Police issue seat alert

Burbank police say a wave of auto burglaries has struck the city, with thieves grabbing GPS systems and third-row bench seats from SUVs manufactured by General Motors between 2003 and 2007.

Targeted vehicles include the Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, the GMC Denali and Yukon, and the Cadillac Escalade. The cars have been burglarized while in commercial parking structures during the day, and in residential areas at night or early in the morning. Police say 10 such incidents took place between Jan. 7 and Jan. 13.

Thieves are either entering unlocked cars or are punching out the door lock, according to police.

SUV owners have been urged to remove the third row seats if not needed, take or conceal valuable items in the car and to call Burbank Police at (818) 238-3000 if they see any suspicious activity.

Solicitor warning issued

After similar crimes were reported by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and Glendale Police, local authorities warned residents to use caution when opening the door the solicitors.

Several adult males with criminal records were arrested canvassing the La Crescenta area supposedly selling magazines. Glendale also reported booking individuals soliciting magazine sales that were in possession of stolen property.

Burbank Police warned that it was illegal to solicit in the city without a license.