REDDING, Calif. -- Two suspects involved in an organized retail theft spree spanning multiple Northstate cities, including Chico, Red Bluff and Redding were arrested, according to the Redding Police Department (RPD).
The investigation began when an officer responded to Best Buy in Redding for reports of a high-valued speaker being stolen. Officials said surveillance footage showed clear images of the suspects in their car, later identified as Jeremy Chaiet, 41, of Eureka, and Oscar Garcia, 23, of Eureka.
After several hours of investigation, an officer pulled over the suspects' car on Eureka Way. RPD says the stolen speaker, along with a substantial amount of additional stolen merchandise was found in the car.
Investigators said both Chaiet and Garcia admitted to targeting retail stores including Home Depot, Target and Costco, across Chico, Red Bluff and Redding. They disclosed they intended to steal merchandise and profit from its resale.
RPD said it is actively collaborating with law enforcement agencies in other jurisdictions to build a comprehensive case against the suspects.
Chaiet and Garcia face multiple felony charges related to theft and organized retail crime.
Anyone with additional information related to this case should contact the Redding Police Department at (530) 225-4200 and reference RPD Case No. RPD24-018225.