Grand Theft Series in San Diego County
November 23, 2025 – San Diego County Sheriff's Office officials report that the San Diego County Crime Stoppers and investigators from the Imperial Beach Sheriff's Substation are announcing the arrest of a suspect in connection with a series of grand thefts involving bronze plaques stolen from public libraries throughout the county.
On October 17, just before 11:00 p.m., an unknown suspect was captured on surveillance video removing a bronze wall plaque from the exterior of the Imperial Beach Library, located at 810 Imperial Beach Boulevard. The suspect fled the scene in a white 2005–2010 Chevrolet Silverado, placing the plaque—valued at approximately $4,500—in the bed of the truck.
This incident was part of a broader pattern of thefts involving bronze plaques from libraries in Lemon Grove, Rancho San Diego, Alpine and 4S Ranch. Surveillance footage from the Rancho San Diego location captured the same suspect and vehicle.
Following the release of information through Crime Stoppers, an anonymous tip led detectives to identify the suspect as Randall Ryan Balsley (45).
On Wednesday, November 19, Sheriff's Detectives located Balsley’s vehicle in a parking lot in Rancho San Diego. After observing Balsley enter the vehicle and drive away, deputies from the Rancho San Diego Sheriff's Station conducted a traffic stop and took him into custody without incident.
Subsequently, detectives from the Imperial Beach Sheriff's Substation and Rancho San Diego Sheriff's Station executed a search warrant at Balsley’s home in El Cajon, where they recovered additional stolen plaques and other evidence related to the thefts.
Balsley was booked into the San Diego Central Jail on multiple counts of grand theft.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information related to these thefts is encouraged to contact the Imperial Beach Sheriff's Substation at (619) 498-2400.
The San Diego County Sheriff's Office extends its gratitude to the public and San Diego County Crime Stoppers for their assistance in helping bring this case to a resolution.
Source: San Diego County Sheriff's Office
