A routine response to a shoplifting incident turned into a substantial arrest after Pleasant Hill police officers were called to a Kohl's department store last Monday night. Law enforcement responded swiftly, assisting loss prevention personnel in handling the situation, which soon escalated beyond petty theft.
Upon their arrival, police found that not only were the suspects involved in shoplifting but also in possession of a stolen vehicle. The male suspect, identified as 41-year-old Jared Theobald of Vallejo, decided to flee on foot in an attempt to evade the police. He attempted to blend in by hiding in a nearby business and feigning to order a pizza, according to the official Pleasant Hill Police Department's Facebook page.
The chase ended with Theobald's capture, and the situation intensified as officers learned of his felony warrant. Upon a search, Theobald was found to be in possession of significant amounts of methamphetamine and heroin. "He was discovered to have a felony warrant as well and was in possession of a substantial amount of methamphetamine and heroin," the Pleasant Hill Police recounted the incident.
A further search led to a discarded Nike bag, which Theobald was reportedly observed carrying earlier. Hidden in a planter, the bag contained a 9mm pistol loaded with hollow point rounds—potentially lethal ammunition. Booked into the county jail, Theobald now faces multiple felony charges. His female companion, who cooperated with the police, was eventually released from the scene.
The Pleasant Hill Police Department emphasizes its commitment to working with retail loss prevention, highlighting that such partnerships often reveal crimes far beyond shoplifting. "We work closely with retail loss prevention, many times resulting in arrests for crimes that go beyond shoplifting. Good work by all involved!" read a statement from the police department, praising the coordinated efforts leading to the arrests.
