Fresno police arrested four teenagers for stealing a car and using it to break into a Shiekh Shoes store at Fashion Fair Mall, making off with thousands of dollars in merchandise. The incident, captured on surveillance footage, highlights the ongoing security concerns at the mall and the vulnerability of certain car models to theft.
Fashion Fair Mall Security Breached
Just before 3 a.m. on a Friday, security cameras recorded four teens, aged 15 to 17, using a stolen Kia to ram open the doors of the Shiekh Shoes store at Fashion Fair Mall. The thieves quickly grabbed armfuls of clothing, estimated to be worth at least $10,000, in two separate runs.
Fresno Police Sergeant Diana Trueba Vega stated that Fashion Fair security provided a description of the getaway vehicle, a gray Kia, to responding officers. This information was quickly relayed to other law enforcement agencies.
High-Speed Chase and Apprehension
Sheriff’s deputies spotted the car shortly after and attempted a traffic stop, but the suspects fled, leading them on a high-speed chase. During the pursuit, one of the suspects sprayed a fire extinguisher out the window towards a pursuing patrol car.
The chase ended on Santa Ana Avenue when the four teens abandoned the car, filled with stolen merchandise, and attempted to escape on foot. A multi-agency perimeter was established, leading to the apprehension of all four suspects. “While they might’ve thought that they were organized,” Sergeant Vega commented, “they were definitely no match for our officers.”
Stolen Vehicle and Previous Incidents
The crime spree began earlier with the theft of the Kia from the Villas Del Norte Apartments. An ABC30 viewer recognized the stolen vehicle and provided footage of the suspects stealing the car. Sergeant Vega noted a recent trend in thefts of certain Kia models due to a known vulnerability.
Shiekh employees reported at least three break-ins in the past year, prompting the store to keep its exterior doors locked at all times. While previous incidents resulted in losses, this time all the stolen merchandise was recovered and returned to the store. An employee, who wished to remain anonymous, described the incident as the “worst it’s ever been.”
Charges and Ongoing Concerns
The four teenagers face multiple charges, including burglary, possession of a stolen vehicle, and conspiracy to commit a felony. This incident underscores concerns about security at Fashion Fair Mall and the vulnerability of businesses to theft, especially given the rise in car thefts facilitating these crimes. The incident also highlights the importance of community involvement and information sharing in apprehending criminals.
