One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Lizard Love: Man Finally Reunited With Beloved Pet Iguana
A man was finally reunited with his beloved pet iguana of 17 years named "Lizard" after someone stole him last December.
Investigators were able to track down Jesus Alcaraz of Downey who is suspected of breaking into the victim's auto shop on the 9800 block of Park Street in Bellflower and stealing Lizard. Nothing else appeared to be stolen.
Authorities tracked down the suspected iguana thief using "advanced investigative techniques," according to the Los Angeles Sheriff's report.
Gang investigators assigned to the Lakewood station were familiar with the suspect from previous contacts. Alcaraz was served a search warrant in Downey and investigators were able to retrieve the iguana. They also found a loaded hand gun that the suspect owned illegally as well as marijuana, hashish oil and gang paraphernalia, according to the report. Alcaraz is being held on $35,000.00m bail, and Lizard is safe at home.