An Oxnard man has been nabbed two months after he allegedly robbed a Camarillo Premium Outlets store, assaulted an employee, and made off with stolen goods. Ventura County Sheriff's deputies caught up with the suspect, identified as 34-year-old Andrew Gonzales, according to a news release from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. Gonzales was arrested on May 28, and is facing charges for robbery and unlawful transfer of a firearm.

The incident, which spiraled out of control on March 30, saw Gonzales allegedly concealing merchandise at the outlet business before being confronted by an employee while attempting to leave. The altercation that ensued ended with the employee battered and Gonzales fleeing with the merchandise. This information was later forwarded to the Camarillo Investigations Bureau, reported Detective Frank W. Corona.

Throughout April and May, local detectives dug into the case, linking Gonzales to the crime. Upon his arrest in Oxnard, a subsequent search at his residence on the heels thrown a semi-automatic handgun not legally transferred, and a stash of alleged stolen items from the business were discovered, adding fuel to the charges against him.

Gonzales was booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility, with the investigating team, which includes one sergeant and six detectives, credited with solving not just his case but various others, including burglary, fraud, forgery, and crimes against persons. In their statement, they extended a nod to the community, claiming, "We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships."

Authorities encourage the public to remain vigilant and aid in their fight against crime by following law enforcement updates through various social media channels and Nixle alerts. An incentive for tipsters, a reward of up to $1,000 by Ventura County Crime Stoppers is on the table for information leading to arrests and criminal complaints in crimes like these, with assurances of anonymity and non-recorded calls.