The Santa Ana Police Department has released images of a suspect wanted in connection with a recent retail theft. Authorities are turning to the community for help in identifying the individual caught on store security cameras.
The incident occurred at the TJ Maxx location situated at 3900 S. Bristol St. in Santa Ana.
According to reports from the Santa Ana Police Department, the suspect entered the store carrying two large, black shoulder bags. He walked directly to the footwear section, selected four pairs of shoes, and concealed them inside his bags. The individual then exited the establishment without making any attempt to pay for the items.
Suspect Description and Visual Evidence
Law enforcement officials have distributed a security bulletin featuring the man’s face and full silhouette. The attached surveillance photographs show a man with distinct facial features walking through the store doors. He matches the following physical description:
- Gender: Male
- Race: White
- Height: 5 feet, 10 inches
- Build: Medium build
- Hair: Brown hair
- Clothing: A gray hooded jacket or sweatshirt, dark black pants, and gray athletic shoes
Potential Legal Charges Faced by the Suspect
Depending on the total monetary value of the four pairs of shoes stolen, the suspect could face multiple criminal counts under California law. Common charges for this type of commercial incident include:
- Shoplifting (California Penal Code 459.5): Charged as a misdemeanor if the total value of the taken property is $950 or less.
- Grand Theft (California Penal Code 487): Elevated to a felony charge if the aggregate market value of the stolen footwear exceeds $950.
- Commercial Burglary (California Penal Code 459): Can be pursued if investigators find evidence that the individual entered the commercial structure with the pre-planned intent to commit a theft inside.
Contextual Retail Theft Data for Santa Ana and Orange County
Property crime remains a heavily targeted issue for local law enforcement. Data from independent crime analysts indicates that larceny and general theft represent the highest volume of reported criminal offenses within Santa Ana. According to data compiled by Niche, general theft metrics in Santa Ana sit at roughly 1,160 incidents per 100,000 residents…