Man is charged with burglary
The Pomona suspect was living in what authorities described as a “well-built and modern treehouse.”
A 56-year-old Pomona man living in what authorities described as a “wellbuilt and modern treehouse” has been arrested on suspicion of burglary after authorities used a helicopter with heat-sensing technology to find him.
In April, Pomona police investigated a residential burglary in the Ganesha Hills neighborhood during which several items were taken.
The thief was observed leaving the property with the loot, and the victim told officers that he recognized the man.
On Tuesday — about a month after the burglary — patrol officers learned that someone was living in a welldisguised treehouse in the neighborhood.
To locate the treehouse, the Pomona Police Air Unit used its helicopter’s heatsensing system, which showed heat in heavy brush and trees near where officers were on the ground with a K-9 unit.
Officers soon found the treehouse, complete with fire pit, barbecue and lighting. It had a view of the National Hot Rod Assn.’s museum and, in the distance, the San Gabriel Mountains.
After police gave several oral commands, the suspect, Mark Duda, came down without incident.
He was arrested on suspicion of residential burglary and later charged by the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office.
There’s no word on whether the treehouse will be torn down or turned into an Airbnb.