Authorities have apprehended a group of men in connection with a series of air conditioning unit thefts from Southern California construction sites, the Riverside Sheriff's Department reported. In an investigation that spanned several months, the Perris Sheriff’s Station’s Robbery Burglary Suppression Team (RBST) linked the thefts to a crew that later sold the stolen goods in Van Nuys.
Working in conjunction with multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Riverside and Los Angeles Police Departments and the Orange County and San Diego Sheriff’s Departments, the RBST executed search warrants in Van Nuys, and Riverside where they recovered air conditioning units valued at more than $50,000. The collaboration was essential in tracing the path of the stolen items and identifying, the suspects. According to the official report, the recovered property linked Pedro Perez Gomez, Jose Servin Perez, Santiago Garcia, and Armando Lopez to the thefts.
Pedro Gomez, 41, and Jose Perez, 43, both from Santa Ana, Santiago Garcia, 51, from Riverside, and Armando Lopez, 58, from Garden Grove have been identified as the suspects behind these crimes. Lopez was already detained on unrelated charges when the others were taken into custody. They face charges of grand theft, conspiracy, and vandalism.
Currently, Gomez, Garcia, and Perez are booked in the Cois Byrd Detention Center, while additional charges are pending for Lopez. Throughout the intensifying investigation, the RBST garnered support from the Orange County Probation Office, which played a role in the apprehension of the suspects. The Riverside County Sheriff's Department notes that this case is still active, and they encourage anyone with further information to contact them directly.
Deputy Sanchez of the RBST remains the point of contact for any additional details the public might have regarding these thefts. Should any individuals have pertinent information, they can reach out to Riverside County Sheriff's dispatch at (951) 776-1099 or to the Perris Station at (951) 210-1000. The investigation continues and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
