A man was arrested in Twentynine Palms after staff at Cold Stone Creamery intervened to retrieve their stolen teddy bear mascot. Last Saturday, at approximately 3:47 p.m., workers at the ice cream parlor took matters into their own hands following a peculiar theft. According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department, they trailed the alleged thief, 49-year-old Joey Baca, out of the shop to bring back the stuffed bear.
Due to the implementation of Proposition 36, termed "The Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act," passed by California voters last year, incidents such as these are being met with a reformed approach to petty theft, especially involving repeat offenders like Baca. Deputy Tyler Harlacker was referenced by the Sheriff's Department in detailing how the accused was found near the shop post-theft. Under Proposition 36, which came into force on December 18, 2024, Baca faces charges of PC 666.1(a)(1)—Petty Theft with Two or More Theft Convictions, signaling an enhanced seriousness in how California addresses recidivist thievery.
After the arrest, Baca was transported to the West Valley Detention Center for booking, as the Sheriff-Coroner's press release states.
