One of the suspects in a cigarette theft from a Ventura County liquor store was arrested at a Sacramento residence late last month, and authorities are still searching for at least one other person.
The theft occurred on May 13 at a liquor store in the 2500 block of Sycamore Drive in Simi Valley, according to the Simi Valley Police Department.
“The incident took place after the store owner returned from a supply trip to a San Fernando Valley wholesaler and briefly left two vehicles unsecured behind the business,” SVPD said in a media release issued Tuesday. “Surveillance footage captured two suspects stealing boxes from both vehicles…Approximately $10,000 worth of cigarettes were stolen.”
After stealing the cigarettes, the suspects fled in a gray Mitsubishi SUV with no license plate; however, through “diligent investigative work,” Simi Valley police were able to retrieve the plate number before it was removed to commit the crime.
Working with the California Highway Patrol, officials used license plate recognition technology and discovered the SUV was a rental from Avis and linked to a Sacramento resident, SVPD said.
The suspect, Jaedan Gabriel Barnes, was eventually identified after investigators reviewed further surveillance footage, analyzed social media activity and used license plate reading data.
“Barnes was seen wearing clothing that matched what was observed in the surveillance footage from the crime scene,” police said.
The vehicle was eventually located at a home in Sacramento thanks to the help of CHP’s Sacramento and Ventura County Auto Theft Task Forces, and further surveillance operations confirmed Barnes’ involvement in the theft.
Simi Valley detectives – along with CHP and Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office officials – eventually served a search warrant in the 1300 block of Shadowglen Road in Sacramento on May 22. Barnes, 24, was located and arrested, and evidence recovered during the search further linked him to the crime, police said.
Detectives are seeking charges against Barnes for vehicle burglary, grand theft and conspiracy.
Additional suspects are still being identified as the investigation continues.
