Police Arrest Two Men on Probation After Suspected Theft from a Clothing Store

Two men were arrested after a theft at a Lululemon store in Fresno on Thursday morning. According to the Fresno Police Department (FPD), officers responded to the store located at 712 West Shaw Avenue just before 11:30 a.m. after receiving a report of a theft in progress. Employees at the store informed the police that a man had entered the store, filled a bag with clothes, and then ran out to a waiting car outside. The police quickly began their investigation. Officers from the FPD’s Organized Retail Theft (ORT) team were dispatched to the scene while others began searching the area for the suspect vehicle.

Police Locate Suspects and Vehicle

As part of the search, an officer with the ORT team spotted the car driving through a residential neighborhood. The officer was able to stop the vehicle and arrest the two men inside. They were identified as 29-year-old Hector Garcia and 23-year-old Gavin Degroot. While officers were completing their report at the scene, they received a call from a resident who claimed one of the suspects had thrown a bag full of stolen clothing onto their lawn. This led police to further connect the suspects to the crime.

Details of the Crime and Arrests

Investigators learned that Gavin Degroot was the individual who had entered the Lululemon store and stolen the clothing, while Hector Garcia was waiting in the car to help with the escape. Police estimate that the stolen merchandise was valued at over $6,000, making the theft a significant crime. Additionally, authorities discovered that both suspects were on probation at the time of the theft. Garcia was on probation for domestic violence, while Degroot was on probation for grand theft. Furthermore, Degroot was wanted by police for a probation violation.

Suspects Booked into Jail

Both Hector Garcia and Gavin Degroot were booked into the Fresno County Jail on charges related to the theft. Their arrests highlight the ongoing efforts by the FPD’s Organized Retail Theft team to combat retail crimes in the area, particularly those involving high-value stolen merchandise. As the investigation continues, authorities are asking the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity that could be connected to organized retail theft.