February 9, 2026 – Ventura County Sheriff’s Office officials report that a subject was arrested for committing a robbery at a local grocery store in Thousand Oaks.

On February 2, 2026, a male subject entered the Ralphs supermarket located in Newbury Park, he walked to the alcohol section and was observed by a sales associate placing multiple bottles of tequila into a cardboard box. The male subject then attempted to leave the store without paying for the merchandise.  When confronted by a store employee, the suspect used force by using his shoulder to push the store employee away from him.  The suspect then exited the store without paying for the merchandise and fled the scene.

Thousand Oaks Patrol deputies responded to the scene and conducted a preliminary investigation, which led to the identification of the suspect, Marc Mendoza. The suspect’s information was forwarded to East County Major Crimes Detectives, who assumed the investigation.

On February 3, 2026, detectives from the East County Major Crimes Unit and the East County Special Enforcement Unit, located Mendoza in the 300 block of West Hillcrest Drive.  Mendoza was taken into custody without incident. During the investigation, detectives recovered three bottles of tequila that had been stolen from the store on February 2, 2026.

Mendoza was booked at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility for one count of 211 PC – Robbery, 11377(a) H&S – Possession of a controlled substance, 11364(a) H&S – Possession of drug paraphernalia, and a local felony warrant.  Mendoza’s first court appearance was February 5th, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to upholding the safety and security of our community and will take swift action against those who choose to commit crimes within the county.

Nature of Incident:	Estes Robbery Arrest
Report Number:	26-14821
Location:	300 block of West Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks
Date & Time:	February 3rd, 2026, @ 3:20 p.m.
Unit(s) Responsible:	East County Major Crimes Unit, East County Special Enforcement Unit, Thousand Oaks Patrol Service
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent		City of Residence	Age
(A) Marc Mendoza (V) Male Adult		Oxnard Newbury Park	27 40

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $1,000 reward for information, which leads to 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: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office