A man arrested for a burglary in Montgomery County last month may be tied to similar burglaries in three states, reports ABC6.
Fredy Alexander Beltran-Ortiz, 25, is suspected of targeting Asian American homeowners.
“We’re looking at additional burglaries in the Delaware Valley and suburbs of Philadelphia, even stretching into New Jersey and Delaware, where it’s obvious the victims are targeted because of their race and that they’re Asian business owners,” said Lieutenant Steven Fink with Abington Township police.
Authorities used DNA evidence at the scene of the crime to nab Beltran-Ortiz. They say he and two other men broke into a home while the victims worked at their business.
They allegedly posed as a fake pizza delivery service, and once they determined the home was not occupied, police believe they forced their way in, according to Fox29.
The Abington Police Department worked closely with federal, state and local authories to investigate what it called “a disturbing crime trend.”
They say organized rings are targeting Asian American business owners based on stereotypes that they keep high-valued items in their homes.
The Abington Police worked with the New York Police Department to track down Beltran-Ortiz at Riker Island Prison in New York where he was being held on a DUI charge.
ABC6 reports police are investigating whether Beltran-Ortiz may be connected to similar crimes in the tri-state area of Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey.
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Have you ever wondered why these criminals are never sorry, until they get caught?