UPDATE: Rocklin Police have arrested Michael Peterson, a 39-year-old suspect linked to a shocking $20,000 theft spree targeting Target stores across the region. The arrest occurred on Thursday evening, concluding a months-long investigation into a rolling shoplifting operation that has left local retailers reeling.
Authorities report that Peterson is connected to approximately 35 theft reports, making him a significant figure in organized retail crime. His capture, a result of coordinated efforts between Rocklin’s COPPS unit and Lincoln officers, highlights the ongoing battle against rampant shoplifting in the area.
Police utilized a strategy of inter-agency communication and tips from patrol officers to track down the suspect. The COPPS unit has been actively monitoring repeat offenders, which led to Peterson’s identification as a key player in this extensive theft operation. Officers noted that he attempted to evade capture by removing his vehicle’s license plate but was ultimately apprehended upon returning to Placer County.
The Rocklin Police Department shared details of the case on their Facebook page, revealing how Peterson’s actions resulted in substantial losses for retailers. In a statement, they emphasized the importance of public assistance in tackling such crimes, inviting anyone with information on related thefts to come forward.
This is not Peterson’s first run-in with the law this year. He has previously been arrested during a traffic stop related to regional thefts, where stolen merchandise was recovered. Law enforcement indicated that Peterson had active warrants and bail enhancements from earlier incidents, raising the stakes for his current legal situation.
Under California law, repeat shoplifting offenders like Peterson may face felony charges if prior theft convictions are present or if multiple incidents are combined, which could lead to stricter penalties and increased bail amounts. Authorities are prepared to apply these provisions as they address high-volume shoplifters in the area.
Currently, Peterson has been transferred to a Napa County Jail to face additional charges and remains in custody as detectives continue their investigation. The Rocklin Police Department urges the community to remain vigilant and report any information that could assist in ongoing cases.
As the investigation unfolds, residents are left to grapple with the implications of this crime wave, feeling the impact of the thefts not only on local businesses but on the community at large. Retailers and shoppers alike are hoping for swift justice and enhanced security measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
