BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A 34-year-old man was arrested after a retail theft enforcement operation found that he was allegedly replacing a price tag or barcode of an expensive item with a cheaper one to pay a lower price. It also led to the discovery of a gun and narcotics.
The Bakersfield Police Department said on Friday, February 6th, 2026, detectives assigned to the Organized Retail Crime unit conducted a proactive retail theft enforcement operation in the 6200 block of Colony Street.
Police said during the operation, 34-year-old Ruben Perez was contacted after engaging in ticket-switching at a local retail business…