KTLA

3 arrested for ransacking Target stores in Southern California

A person heads into a Target store Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, in Lakewood, Colorado. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

Three suspects were arrested for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars worth of merchandise from Southern California stores.

The suspects, all Los Angeles residents, were identified as:

On May 22, Ventura County deputies responded to a “theft in progress” at a Target located in the 2700 block of Teller Road in Thousand Oaks.

Security said the suspects had placed several large items into a large shopping tote before fleeing the store. The suspects had allegedly stolen merchandise from another Target location just minutes earlier, officials said.

Investigators identified the thieves and spotted them driving on the 101 Freeway shortly after the Thousand Oaks theft. They were pulled over and arrested at the scene.

During the arrest, deputies discovered a large number of stolen items including alcohol, cosmetics, over-the-counter medication and personal hygiene products in their possession.

Target workers told deputies the trio escaped with around $3,500 worth of merchandise from both Target stores.

All three suspects were booked on charges of organized retail theft. They were released after posting bail. An arraignment hearing is scheduled at the Ventura County Superior Court on June 6.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call the Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force at 805-383-8703.

Anonymous tips can be provided to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.