Three people were arrested Tuesday night, Feb. 17, after deputies linked them to alcohol thefts at grocery stores in Orange County and later recovered narcotics during a traffic stop, authorities said.
Deputies responded to a report of stolen alcohol from a Pavilions store in the Talega area of San Clemente, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Investigators later determined the same group was also connected to at least one other similar theft at a Ralphs store in Lake Forest the previous week.
The suspects allegedly entered the Pavilions store, collected numerous bottles of alcohol and fled without paying, said Sgt. Lizbeth Gwisdalla. The total value of the stolen merchandise from both thefts was estimated at approximately $2,400.
Deputies later located the suspects’ vehicle on the 5 Freeway and, with assistance from the California Highway Patrol, stopped the vehicle and took all three occupants into custody, Gwisdalla said.
During the stop, deputies found the stolen bottles of alcohol, along with narcotics and drug paraphernalia, authorities said. All three suspects were booked on suspicion of burglary, organized retail theft and conspiracy to commit a crime.
In addition, one suspect was arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance, while another faces an additional charge related to a forged vehicle registration, Gwisdala said.