Four teenagers were arrested after using a stolen car to break into Shiekhs, a clothing store at Fashion Fair Mall in Fresno, California. The incident occurred around 3 am on a Friday, with the suspects, aged 15 to 17, ramming the store’s entrance with a stolen Kia.
The thieves quickly grabbed armfuls of clothing, estimated to be worth around $10,000, in two separate trips into the store. Security footage captured the entire event, aiding law enforcement in their subsequent investigation.
Fresno Police, alerted by Fashion Fair security, broadcast a description of the stolen vehicle. Sheriff’s deputies spotted the car shortly after and attempted a traffic stop. However, the suspects initiated a pursuit, even using a fire extinguisher to try and deter the pursuing officers.
The chase ended a few blocks away when the teenagers abandoned the car, filled with stolen merchandise, and attempted to flee on foot. A coordinated effort by multiple law enforcement agencies led to the apprehension of all four suspects.
Prior to the Fashion Fair Mall incident, the same group was implicated in the theft of the Kia from an apartment complex. The vehicle owner is now dealing with the damage to their car. This incident highlights the vulnerability of certain Kia models to theft, a trend observed by law enforcement in the past year.
The stolen clothing from Shiekhs was recovered and returned to the store. An employee, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that the store keeps its exterior doors locked due to the frequency of break-ins in the past year. This smash-and-grab, however, was particularly brazen.
The four suspects are currently in custody, facing charges of burglary, possession of a stolen vehicle, and conspiracy to commit a felony. The swift action of law enforcement and the recovery of the stolen goods underscore the commitment to safety and security at Fashion Fair Mall.
