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SEAL BEACH, CA — Two men were arrested by the Seal Beach Police Department
after a resident witnessed the crime on their home surveillance system.

On Saturday, December 12, 2020, just before 6:00 am, the Seal Beach Police
Department received a call of a burglary in progress at a residence located in the
Surfside Colony. The homeowner, who was not home at the time of the burglary,
notified the Seal Beach Police Department after receiving an alert on their home video
surveillance system.

Seal Beach Police officers, along with officers from the Huntington Beach and Los
Alamitos Police Departments quickly surrounded the residence. An Orange County
Sheriff’s Department canine officer responded to assist. A Seal Beach Police
Department drone was also deployed during the search.

Two male suspects were hiding behind a chimney when they were discovered by the
officers. The suspects were taken into custody without incident.

The suspects were identified as 30 year-old Christopher Stacy, of Fergus Falls,
Minnesota, and 37 year-old Robert Richards, of Cypress, California. Both suspects
were arrested for residential burglary, possession of burglary tools, and conspiracy.
They were booked at the Orange County Jail.

“We strongly encourage our residents and businesses to purchase and install video
surveillance systems,” said Seal Beach Chief of Police Philip L. Gonshak. “Many
systems are very affordable, will alert users to motion inside the home, and can go a
long way in helping us solve crimes. Had it not been for this video camera system, and
the fact that it alerted the victim to the burglars inside their home, we might not have
been able to apprehend these criminals.”

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact
Detective Jeff Gibson at (562) 799-4100 ext. 1109 or jgibson@sealbeachca.gov.