Full Notification

On 03/01/2017 at approximately 01:50 AM an Anderson Police Officer was conducting extra patrol at the Anderson Walmart when he noticed a white Chevrolet Camaro parked in the north parking lot. The vehicle was backed into a space that backed up to the Garden Center and was the only vehicle in this portion of the parking lot other than several commercial vehicles. Due to recent and numerous thefts from the business where subjects would park in a similar fashion and push full carts of stolen merchandise out a fire exit, this vehicle stood out to the Officer. The vehicle left a short time later with no observed criminal activity.

At approximately 02:40AM the Officer observed what appeared to be the same vehicle return, drop several subjects off at the front door to the store, and leave the parking lot.

At approximately 02:55AM the Officer observed the vehicle again backed up to the Garden Center but now with the trunk open and a subject standing at the back of the vehicle. The Officer then saw two subjects running from an open emergency fire exit pushing a cart of merchandise towards the vehicle. The Officer pulled up and ordered the subjects to stay in the vehicle with their hands raised. The subjects now decided to make better decisions and complied with all orders.

The three subjects were detained without incident and identified as:
John Stein, 26, of Anderson. Probation for theft.
Theresa Stein, 29, of Anderson. Probation for identity theft.
Matthew Edwards, 31, of Anderson. Recently released from jail for numerous thefts.

The subjects were placed under arrest for shoplifting, conspiracy, and sending a false fire alarm. All three subjects were booked into Shasta County Jail and their vehicle was impounded. Additional charges for probation violations and weapons charges are going to be filed with the Shasta County District Attorney’s Office. The stolen property was found to be valued at over $500.