Los Angeles police detained a 69-year‑old male suspect on September 15, 2026, charging him with lewd conduct after an investigation linked him to covert photography of women at the Burbank Empire Center. The arrest was made by officers of the Los Angeles Police Department following a probe into hidden‑camera activity reported at the shopping complex.
According to the department, the suspect was identified as part of a broader inquiry into unauthorized recording devices placed in public areas of the center. Detectives said the investigation uncovered evidence that the man had been using concealed equipment to capture images of female shoppers without their knowledge.
The suspect was taken into custody at the site of the alleged offenses. Law enforcement officials indicated that the arrest resulted from coordinated investigative work that included reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses who reported feeling observed.
Authorities have not released additional details about the specific locations within the Empire Center where the alleged incidents occurred, nor have they disclosed the number of potential victims. The police statement emphasized that the suspect faces a charge of lewd conduct, a felony in California, and that further charges may be considered pending the outcome of forensic analysis of any recovered devices.
The Burbank Empire Center, a major retail hub in the city of Burbank, has cooperated with the LAPD during the investigation. Management officials expressed concern for shopper safety and affirmed that they are working with law enforcement to ensure the premises remain secure.
The case adds to ongoing efforts by local authorities to combat non‑consensual recording and other privacy violations in public venues. The suspect remains in custody pending a court appearance, and investigators continue to examine any related evidence to determine the full scope of the alleged conduct.