Arrests Made in Pursuit and Organized Retail Theft Investigation 

December 8, 2023 - Ventura County Sheriff's Office officials report that on November 27, 2023, Carlos Hernandez and Moises Lopez were arrested for being involved in a vehicle pursuit, resisting arrest, and participation in organized retail theft.

Detectives with the Camarillo Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) were conducting extra patrol in the area of the Camarillo Premium Outlets to combat organized retail thefts.

A detective attempted to conduct a traffic enforcement stop on a vehicle for an equipment violation.  The suspect vehicle failed to yield, and a brief pursuit ensued.  The suspect vehicle ran multiple stop signs, drove at an unsafe speed, and made several unsafe lane changes. The suspect vehicle encountered heavy traffic and was unable to continue driving.  As soon as the vehicle stopped, the passenger fled from the vehicle and ran towards the Camarillo Premium Outlets.

The driver, who was later identified as Moises Lopez, was apprehended by SEU detectives without incident. The suspect who fled was arrested by deputies assigned to Camarillo Patrol who were in the area when the pursuit began.  The suspect who fled was later identified as Carlos Hernandez.

During a search of the suspect vehicle, detectives located a substantial amount of clothing, hats, and merchandise from nearby retailers which was believed to be stolen.  There were numerous articles of clothing which had a portion of the security tag attached to them.

Retailers often utilize security tags, which are part of a system known as electronic article surveillance (EAS), to deter thefts.  The EAS tags are often affixed to the clothing or other merchandise and require a special tool to remove them.  If the EAS tags are not removed and they pass the EAS sensors located at the front of the store, the sensors will produce an audible alarm to alert staff.  Subjects who are involved in organized retail theft crews will often possess the specialized tool that defeats the EAS tag.

The property was taken back to several stores located in the Camarillo Premium Outlets who confirmed the items were stolen.  Additional property from businesses outside of Camarillo was also located and booked as evidence. The estimated total value of the stolen merchandise was over $5,000.

Hernandez was arrested for a violation of PC 490.4(b)(1) / Organized Retail Theft and PC 148(a)(1) / Resisting a Peace Officer. Hernandez was booked at the Ventura County Main Jail where he is being held on $45,000 bail awaiting trial.  Hernandez was out on bail for a separate organized retail theft charge from October of 2023.

Lopez was arrested for a violation of PC 490.4(b)(1) / Organized Retail Theft and VC 2800.2(a) / Felony Reckless Evading.  Lopez was booked at the Ventura County Main Jail where he is being held on $50,000 bail awaiting trial.

Based on information obtained during the investigation, SEU detectives learned there may be additional evidence located at Lopez’s residence and his place of employment, a barbershop located on the 500 Block of South A Street in the City of Oxnard. SEU detectives authored a warrant for the residence and barbershop.

On December 1, 2023, SEU detectives, with the assistance of the Camarillo Directed Enforcement Unit and the Camarillo Investigations Bureau served the search warrant at both locations. Detectives located additional evidence related to organized retail theft at Lopez’s residence.

During the service of the search warrant at the barbershop, detectives detained Roberto Gomez who was in possession of an unregistered firearm and cocaine.  Additional evidence was located which led detectives to believe Gomez possessed the cocaine for sales.  Gomez, who was prohibited from possessing a firearm, was arrested for violations of HS 11370.1(a) Possession of a Controlled Substance and Firearm, PC 30305(a)(1) / Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm, and PC 25850(c)(6) / Carrying a Loaded Firearm in Public.

Gomez is currently in custody where he is being held on $50,000 bail awaiting trial.

Organized retail theft crews will commonly work in conjunction to steal merchandise from businesses.  One member may act as a lookout while the others conceal merchandise in booster bags, children’s strollers, or on their person.  Organized retail theft crews often steal multiple sizes of the same retail product/merchandise to illegally resell for profit via social media, various internet-based marketplaces (Offer up, Craigslist, Poshmark, etc.), and other mediums.

Not only do organized retail theft crews cause billions of dollars in losses to retailers nationwide, but they also pose a threat to customers and employees of the business.  There has been an increase in violent incidents involving organized retail theft crews throughout the nation.

The Camarillo Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) is comprised of a sergeant and four detectives, whose focus is assisting patrol services with the investigation of various crimes including, but not limited to, the investigation of illegal firearms, gang related crimes, and graffiti vandalism.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence in providing information to assist our agency in solving crimes. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships.

Join us in the fight on crime by following us on Twitter @VENTURASHERIFF, Facebook, Instagram @VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime.  The caller may remain anonymous.  The call is not recorded.  Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Source & photos: Ventura County Sheriff's Office