Lancaster Station Detectives conducted an investigation regarding several thefts that had occurred at the “Rite Aid” Distribution Center in Lancaster after receiving a report that the Center had suffered more than $25,000 of losses during the past 90 days.
All of thefts involved personal hygiene products such as face cream, energy drinks and expensive shaving razors.
The detectives determined that the thefts were being committed by at least one employee who was selling the stolen goods on the Internet. The detectives obtained a search warrant for the suspect’s home, which is located in west Lancaster.
As a result of the warrant, the detectives recovered a large amount of stolen merchandise valued at approximately $7,000. They also seized several firearms and ammunition inside the home.
While searching the residence, detectives discovered numerous containers of gunpowder as well as other evidence related to the manufacturing of explosive devices. The Sheriff’s Department’s Arson and Explosives Detail, was notified, came to the home and took charge of that part of the investigation.
The home is reportedly near a neighborhood school.
The suspect was subsequently arrested and is facing several felony charges, including theft, commercial burglary and weapons violations . The suspect’s name and the location of the home are not being released at this time due to the on- going nature of the investigation.
Man arrested for possession of stolen fireman’s jacket
PALMDALE - Wednesday morning, Palmdale Station patrol deputies noticed something very strange at the corner of Sierra Highway and Palmdale Boulevard.
At about 7:50 a.m., the deputies saw what appeared to be a transient wearing a Los Angeles County Fire Department firefighting jacket. Believing the suspect was probably not a fireman, the deputies contacted the man, 49-year-old Hipolito Martinez.
Martinez was indeed not a fireman. He told deputies he found the jacket a couple days ago. When asked if he felt it was stolen Martinez responded that he believed it probably was. He was subsequently arrested for receiving stolen property.
Los Angeles County Fire officials were contacted and confirmed the jacket was stolen off a truck they believe during a call out on Monday, Jan. 30.
Martinez is being held on the charge of receiving stolen property as well as being put on an immigration hold.
