VALLEJO, CALIFORNIA — Two people were arrested in Vallejo on Saturday after allegedly stealing over $3,000 worth of Bath & Body Works candles from a store.
The suspects were caught after fleeing the scene with duffel bags full of merchandise.
The Candle Heist
According to authorities, the incident occurred at the Bath & Body Works store located on the 100 block of Plaza Drive. Witnesses reported that four suspects entered the store, each carrying backpacks and duffel bags.
They then proceeded to load the bags with candles before fleeing the store in a black Nissan sedan.
The Pursuit and Arrest
Thanks to detailed descriptions provided by witnesses, Vallejo police were able to locate the Nissan parked on the 1300 block of North Camino Alto.
When officers approached the vehicle, the suspects inside the car fled the scene on foot. While two of the suspects were detained, the other two managed to escape into a nearby apartment complex.
It was later discovered that the Nissan had been reported stolen out of Oakland.
126 Stolen Candles Recovered
After searching the vehicle, officers found 126 stolen candles, valued at an estimated $3,300. The stolen merchandise was packed into backpacks, duffel bags, and even a store basket that had allegedly been taken during the heist.
The stolen candles were returned to the store, and the Nissan was towed as recovered stolen property. The car’s owner was notified of the recovery.
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Arrests and Charges
One of the suspects arrested was a juvenile, who was cited and released into the custody of their parents. The other individual, Kamil Cassius, 18, was booked into Solano County Jail.
He faces multiple felony charges, including grand theft, conspiracy, and possession of a stolen vehicle.
Ongoing Investigation
The search for the remaining two suspects continues, with police urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
What Do You Think?
Do you think the rise in retail thefts is a growing problem in your community? What measures should stores take to protect their merchandise and prevent similar incidents from happening? Share your thoughts in the comments below on RidgecrestPact.org.