San Bernardino County officials have taken a step forward in combating retail theft through "Operation Smash and Grab." On September 5, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department – Gangs/Narcotics Division was notified by Stater Brothers Security about a July 31 robbery at their market in Adelanto. Nineteen-year-old Rahnia Turner, a resident of San Bernardino, was pinpointed as the culprit after a detailed inquiry.
Turner reportedly stashed merchandise in a bag and tried to leave the store, only to be confronted by security. According to a report obtained by the Sheriff’s Department, she shoved the guard, brandished pepper spray, and made a getaway after threatening the employee with it. There's a history too; Turner was recognized as the suspect in an earlier Colton city robbery where pepper spray was also deployed against a store employee.
Following up on leads, authorities arrested Turner on September 6 in San Bernardino for armed robbery and assault with a chemical agent. She was subsequently booked into the Central Detention Center, her bail set at $90,000. This arrest comes as part of a broader initiative targeting criminal groups that have been wreaking havoc in retail environments throughout the county.
Operation Smash and Grab, which encompasses several shopping areas including Rancho Cucamonga, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Victorville, and Chino Hills, employs a blend of traditional and innovative tactics to tackle the problem. According to the Sheriff’s Department's official release, these gangs have instilled fear through intimidation and numbers, a daunting prospect for local shoppers.
To support these efforts, the County Board of Supervisors has opened up the purse strings, approving supplemental crime suppression funds. These will bolster the Sheriff’s Department's capacity to address issues that directly impact the quality of life for county residents.
For more information regarding Operation Smash and Grab, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department – Gangs/Narcotics Division can be reached at (909) 387-3700, referencing Case No. 242401775.
