Irvine police arrest 1, seek 2 more in burglary

A rental car and a ransacked home in Irvine led police to a suspected burglar last week, but two of his alleged partners remain at large.

Friday afternoon, Irvine police received a call about three men and a car that was idling on Tall Oak. Police say the men were reportedly going back and forth between the car and the home before suddenly leaving.

Officers say they discovered that the home’s front door had been pried open and a “large amount” of cash, Japanese currency and a designer handbag had been taken.

Witnesses gave police descriptions of the car and three men, and investigators linked the vehicle’s license plate to a rental agency in Pomona, Irvine police Lt. Bill Whalen said.

Later the day, officer arrested one of the suspects when he returned the vehicle, police said. The man, identified as 41-year-old David McNeal, had U.S., Japanese and Iraqi currency on him when officers arrested him, police said.

A search of his nearby Pomona home turned up two handguns stolen from residences in Los Angeles County, police said.

Investigators also found Rolex watches and nine rifles that may also be stolen, according to police.

Authorities said they arrested McNeal on suspicion of residential burglary and grand theft.

The two men who had been in the car with McNeal are unaccounted for, police said.

One is black, 55 to 60 years old and 5-foot-10, with a heavyset build, according to authorities. They added that he was wearing dark clothing and walked with a cane. The other is black and 30 to 35 years old; he was wearing a dark hat and dark jeans, police said.

Authorities have asked that anyone with information about the case contact Irvine detectives at (949) 724-7276.