Calpella Retail Theft Suspect Tracked Down Through Surveillance Footage, Already on Probation for Robbery

This is a press release from the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. The information has not been proven in a court of law and any individuals described should be presumed innocent unless proven guilty:

The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a reported retail theft that occurred on May 30, 2026, at approximately 5:11 p.m., at a business located in the 6000 block of North State Street in Calpella, California.

Deputies responded to the location and contacted a store employee, who reported that five individuals had entered the business and were browsing merchandise. One juvenile requested several clothing items and a pair of shoes, which were placed on the front counter by the employee. The juvenile then engaged the employee in conversation and asked to view cologne fragrances located behind the counter. During this interaction, the juvenile reportedly stole the merchandise from the counter and exited the store on foot. The remaining individuals also left the area shortly thereafter.  The total value of the merchandise stolen was approximately $256.

Deputies reviewed store surveillance footage, which was consistent with the employee’s account of the incident and showed the use of distraction during the theft. A search of the surrounding area at the time did not result in the location of the involved individuals.

During a follow-up investigation on June 10, 2026, deputies re-examined the surveillance footage and identified the juvenile suspect based on prior law enforcement contacts.

Records indicated the juvenile had previously been placed on formal probation in Sacramento County related to a robbery case. That case was transferred to Mendocino County Juvenile Probation in April 2026. A subsequent pick-up order had been issued after the juvenile was reported to have absconded from supervision.

On June 6, 2026, the juvenile was taken into custody by the California Highway Patrol on the outstanding pick-up order and booked into Mendocino County Juvenile Hall.

On June 11, 2026, deputies confirmed the juvenile was in custody and observed clothing items in their possession that were consistent with items reported stolen in the May 30 incident.

The case has been referred to the Mendocino County Juvenile Probation Department for review.

Anyone with additional information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office.