A group of suspects from Oxnard, California, have been arrested after allegedly stealing thousands of dollars worth of merchandise from a Camarillo mall. The suspects have been identified as Carlos Hernandez (25), Moises Lopez (22), and Roberto Gomez (30). The incident occurred on November 27 when deputies attempted to pull over the suspects’ vehicle for an equipment violation. However, Hernandez and Lopez refused to yield and led the officers on a pursuit, driving recklessly and running multiple stop signs. Eventually, they were caught in heavy traffic and unable to escape. Hernandez then fled on foot towards the Camarillo Premium Outlets mall, while Lopez remained at the scene and was taken into custody.
During a search of the suspects’ car, officers discovered a large amount of stolen merchandise from nearby retailers, including clothing with security devices still attached. The stolen items, estimated to be worth around $5,000, were later returned to the retailers. Additional stolen items from businesses outside of Camarillo were also found and booked as evidence.
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Hernandez was arrested for organized retail theft and resisting a peace officer and is currently held on $45,000 bail. Interestingly, he was already out on bail for a separate organized retail theft charge from October. Lopez, on the other hand, was arrested for organized retail theft and felony reckless evading and is held on $50,000 bail.
During the investigation, detectives gathered additional evidence at Lopez’s home and place of work. A search warrant was served at a barbershop where Lopez was employed, leading to the detention of Roberto Gomez. Gomez was found in possession of an unregistered firearm and cocaine. He is now facing charges for possessing a controlled substance and firearm, being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, and carrying a loaded firearm in public. Gomez is held on $50,000 bail.
Authorities noted that organized retail theft crews often work together to steal merchandise, causing significant losses to retailers and posing a threat to customers and employees. The stolen items are typically resold for profit through social media platforms or resale marketplaces.
