By Gina Yarbrough
Rancho San Diego, CA–Rancho San Diego Sheriff’s Station deputies have arrested five men on suspicion of shoplifting from a department store in East County.
On November 26 just after 8 a.m., deputies responded to a shoplifting call at the Kohl’s store, located in the 2300 block of Jamacha Road. According to store employees, five men worked together to walk out of the store with numerous stolen items. The suspects then got into a car and drove off, according to San Diego Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Patrick Fox.
Deputies were able to locate the suspects’ car and conduct a traffic stop. Inside the car was the stolen merchandise, as well as a loaded .22 caliber semi-automatic handgun, ammunition, and drugs.
Christopher Esparza, 28, was charged with an outstanding felony warrant, illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition, carrying a concealed weapon while in public, possessing a controlled substance while being armed, conspiracy to commit a crime, shoplifting, and gang allegations. Eduardo Gonzalez, 34, Jason Castillo, 26, Jesus Lopez, 32, and Jose Castillo, 28, were charged with conspiracy to commit a crime, shoplifting, and gang allegations.
Deputies returned the stolen merchandise to the store.
