In a significant crackdown on retail crime, the San Francisco Police Department's Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF) has made substantial arrests after a detailed investigation targeting an organized theft ring. According to a statement released by the San Francisco Police Department, six suspects linked to over 26 theft incidents have been taken into custody. They are collectively held responsible for the theft of more than $52,000 in goods and for causing approximately $6,000 in damage across San Francisco and Oakland.
Interim Chief Paul Yep emphasized the department's proactive approach, stating, per SFPD, "Stealing from our businesses is unacceptable, and anyone who engages in this illegal activity will be held accountable." During the multi-month operation, the ORCTF, working in collaboration with Safeway since September, uncovered evidence that suggested the suspects primarily targeted alcohol from the retailer's secure storage areas. The suspects, now facing multiple charges, were identified after thorough scrutiny and cross-agency cooperation involving the California Highway Patrol (CHP), SF District Attorney's Office, and SF Sheriff’s Department.
In a far-reaching operation that spanned multiple locations, the crew was caught in the act. On October 28, the Real Time Investigations Center (RTIC), along with plainclothes SFPD officers, carried out surveillance, subsequently arresting two individuals, Kevin Lavender and Frederick Dozier, after witnessing a store break-in. Almost $5,000 worth of stolen alcohol was recovered in the process.
Furthering the series of apprehensions, on October 29, the Community Violence Reduction Team (CVRT) laid eyes on another suspect, Keana Allen, and arrested her on Mission Street. During a search warrant execution and probation search at a residence on the 900 block of Ellsworth Street, officers confiscated an automatic pistol with an extended magazine and an assault rifle, adding firearms-related charges to Kevin Lavender and Frederick Dozier's rap sheets. Misplaced amidst a tangle of law enforcement's efforts, Tronshown Skyides and Kewhum Allen were taken into custody on subsequent dates in Oakland by the SFPD CVRT and Oakland PD, respectively.
Each suspect is now charged with a list of felonies and misdemeanors as detailed by SFPD, with varied counts ranging from commercial burglary to the possession of illegal firearms. Kevin Lavender, for instance, faces charges including multiple counts of felon in possession of a firearm and organized retail theft. The investigations remain open, and anyone with further information is encouraged to contact the SFPD or leave an anonymous tip via TIP411.
