Two men have been arrested in the theft of a wedding gift box containing about $60,000 in cash and checks from a banquet hall reception in Glendale, authorities said Saturday.
The theft was reported at 12:50 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 31 at the Renaissance Banquet Hall, 1236 S. Central Ave., according to Sgt. Jose Barajas of the Glendale Police Department.
“Witnesses reported that shortly after midnight, a male suspect entered the banquet hall, grabbed the gift box and fled through an exit,” Barajas said. “Surveillance footage shows the suspect entering the passenger seat of a newer black Mercedes SUV, which then fled the area.”
Over the past week, detectives used video surveillance and department resources to identify the primary suspect in the theft as Armean Shirehjini, according to a police statement.
Detectives arrested Shirehjini, who allegedly was in possession of a handgun, and Andranik Avetisyan at Shirehjini’s Sherman Oaks home on Friday. Avetisyan was identified as the getaway driver the night of the theft, police said.
“Detectives executed search warrants at both suspects’ residences and recovered a large amount of cash and dozens of checks made out to the victims from the wedding,” according to the police statement. “In addition, several firearms and various narcotics were seized from both residences.”
Footage from the wedding appeared to capture a man approach an area off the dance floor, lean over, pick something up and leave the wedding hall, KTLA reported.
One of the bride’s girlfriends noticed and immediately told the couple that the man snatched the box of gifts from family and friends, the TV report said. “At that point, the music stopped; Everyone was aware of the situation,” Nadeen Farahat said.
“It was a wonderful party until the incident took place,” Groom George Farahat told the station. “As is tradition in our culture, most people give cash or checks as gifts for the newlyweds, so there was a box containing all the envelopes, the cards and the money from family and friends (who) were invited.”
Detectives ask anyone with information about the case to contact Glendale police at 818-548-3127.