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UCI, Seal Beach police collar suspect in car thefts

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Police from Seal Beach and UC Irvine teamed to arrest a man suspected of breaking into and stealing cars across Orange County, authorities said.

Since October, the two police departments have been on the trail of a man they believe broke into two Honda Accords that month, according to UCI police.

Investigators suspected it was Andrew Odell, 29, of Santa Ana. UCI police said they knew Odell because they arrested him on suspicion of stealing a car at UCI Medical Center in 2012.

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Authorities said both police departments were tailing Odell on Dec. 8 when he tried to break into a car in Fullerton.

After arresting Odell, police searched his Santa Ana home and said they found evidence that connected him to a string of auto thefts and car burglaries.

Odell pleaded not guilty Thursday to six felonies and three misdemeanors stemming from the investigation.

He is being held in Orange County Jail with bail set at $30,000, according to Sheriff’s Department records.

Police said they’re continuing to investigate.

— Jeremiah Dobruck

Twitter: @jeremiahdobruck

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