Two Inland Empire parolees made a series of reckless mistakes that led to their arrest in the same shopping center — highlighting ongoing recidivism problems and the persistent trend of IE offenders targeting Orange County retailers despite the OCDA’s aggressive prosecution policies.
What Happened
Deputies with OCSD – Rancho Santa Margarita Police Services were patrolling the Lowe’s parking lot Sunday afternoon when they spotted a vehicle displaying a stolen license plate.
Inside was a male parolee from Hemet, who admitted he had been switching license plates before committing retail thefts.
Deputies also found a large quantity of new hygiene products in the vehicle — items consistent with organized retail theft crews — though the exact store of origin wasn’t immediately clear. The vehicle was towed and the man was arrested…