Chaos unfolded in the parking lot of a Marin County shopping center as a man and woman were apprehended by authorities following a suspected theft attempt on Monday evening. Marin County Sheriff's Office deputies sped to the scene at the Gateway Shopping Center after receiving a call about suspicious behavior at the Target and Ross Dress for Less stores. The alert was first raised by vigilant security personnel reporting a potential merchandise heist.
The female suspect walked into the stores while her accomplice waited in a silver Nissan. As deputies sought to quickly detain the male, he attempted to speed away recklessly but was cornered and nabbed by additional units responding to the scenario. In a desperate move, the man was seen on surveillance footage discarding two firearms into the bushes while fleeing.
Both weapons were retrieved: a loaded revolver with four rounds and an un-serialized "Glock style" pistol with seven rounds in the magazine. The Marin County Sheriff's Office identified the man as Jesse Martinez, a convicted felon from Antioch who was arrested for firearms and methamphetamine possession and for trying to elude law enforcement.
The woman, identified as Lucy Tompkin from Oakland, was caught inside the store. She was found to be the bearer of multiple "No Bail" warrants and in possession of fentanyl. The Sheriff's Office took to Facebook to thank the community and security staff for their vigilance that led to the swift arrests.
