In a string of shoplifting incidents that spotlighted repeat offenders, El Cajon Police made multiple arrests last weekend, including a convicted sex offender with outstanding narcotics warrants and a transient man officers say they've nabbed over 100 times, authorities reported.
Friday's theft unfolded at Dick's Sporting Goods when a suspect allegedly swiped goods and fled, making his getaway with a heaped shopping cart but didn't enjoy freedom for long—the cops caught up just a block away. The 44-year-old suspect, Dennis Fortney, directed police to his nearby tent, where the stolen merchandise was stashed, according to a Facebook post by El Cajon Police Department.
On Sunday, at the Parkway Plaza Walmart, another caper was cut short when security flagged down a patrolling El Cajon Police car as 49-year-old suspect Larell Purvis attempted to abscond with clothing items without paying for them; after a brief chase, Purvis, a registered sex offender and probationer with two active arrest warrants, was detained.
That same Sunday saw yet another theft attempt at Dick's Sporting Goods, where two male suspects tried their luck, one making off with a bicycle and the other with clothing. Yet, only the latter, 27-year-old Lawrence Walker, was arrested with the stolen merchandise. El Cajon officers are continuing their search for the second suspect, who pedaled away on the stolen bike and urge anyone with information to contact the police department at 619-579-3311 or submit tips to Crime Stoppers.
