Two Roseville-area brothers were arrested after police say they snatched a necklace from a shopper at the Westfield Galleria at Roseville in mid-January and threatened the victim as they left. The suspects later surfaced during a related search at the older brother’s Sacramento County home and were booked into the South Placer County Jail.
According to CBS Sacramento the suspects are 21-year-old Daniel Ruiz and 19-year-old David Ruiz. Police said the arrests followed an investigation using mall surveillance video and license plate checks.
How police say the mall attack unfolded
Investigators told CBS Sacramento that on January 16 the brothers allegedly ripped a chain from a shopper's neck and warned the victim "not to try anything" while keeping their hands near their waistbands, a gesture officers say could be read as a threat.
According to police, the older brother was identified through surveillance video and license plate information. Investigators say he then allegedly came back to the Galleria on January 26 and pulled a separate grand theft, using the same vehicle that had been spotted during the earlier robbery.
Officers say that vehicle is registered to the 21-year-old. A search of his Sacramento County residence reportedly turned up an unregistered Glock handgun that was not properly secured.
Galleria trouble spot and recent mall crime
The alleged chain-snatching happened at the Westfield Galleria at Roseville, at 1151 Galleria Blvd., a retail hub that has seen more than its share of recent crime headlines.
Local coverage notes the January 16 robbery came just one day after three youths were arrested in a separate shoplifting case at Macy's, when teens busted at Macy's for an alleged heist at the same mall. The Galleria has also been the site of a high-profile smash-and-grab jewelry robbery that resulted in multiple arrests, as reported by KCRA.
Charges, next legal steps, and DA review
Roseville police say both brothers are facing robbery and conspiracy allegations. Investigators have also forwarded additional potential felony counts to prosecutors, including child endangerment and unsafe storage of a firearm, for review by the Sacramento County District Attorney.
The Sacramento County District Attorney's Office reviews cases submitted by law enforcement to decide whether to file charges, what exact counts to bring, and whether any sentence enhancements should be added. As with all arrests, Daniel and David Ruiz are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
How to share tips with investigators
The Roseville Police Department is asking anyone who may have information related to this case, or other incidents involving the same suspects, to contact its non-emergency line at 916-774-5000 or use the department's online reporting tools, according to the City of Roseville. For emergencies, call 911.
The arrests mark a key step in the investigation, but the ball is now in the District Attorney's court. Prosecutors will determine whether to file the forwarded counts and what the final case will look like. This story will be updated if formal charges are filed or if police release significant new details.
