Operation Smash and Grab: Retail Theft Investigators Arrest Suspect Who Assaulted Employee During a Store Theft
DATE: May 15, 2024
INCIDENT: Targeted Crime Suppression-Operation Smash & Grab
LOCATION(S): 15757 Main Street, Hesperia
SUSPECT(S): Ginny Nicholson, 25-year-old Resident of Victorville
VICTIM(S): Stater Bros. Markets
SUMMARY: On May 15, 2024, Hesperia Station deputies responded to the Stater Bros. Market at 15757 Main Street in Hesperia for a theft and robbery report. Ginny Nicholson entered the Stater Bros. Market and concealed alcohol inside a bag. A Stater Bros. Market employee attempted to stop Nicholson as she exited the store, and Nicholson assaulted the employee. Nicholson fled the location before Hesperia Station deputies' arrival. The Stater Bros. Market employee was transported to a local hospital, where she was treated for a broken nose and lacerations.
On May 16, 2024, investigators from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Gangs/Narcotics Division assigned to Retail Theft assumed the investigation. Through investigation, Nicholson was identified, and a Ramey Warrant was issued for Nicholson’s arrest.
On May 21, 2024, Retail Theft investigators arrested Nicholson for robbery and assault, and she was booked at the High Desert Detention Center in lieu of $50,000.00 bail.
In November 2023, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department became concerned with the rise in thefts at retail stores, which often involved organized crews that conspire to commit robberies, burglaries, shelve sweeps, and vandalisms. These violent criminals terrorize the citizens of San Bernardino County by utilizing intimidation tactics and a mob mentality that creates an unsafe and uncomfortable shopping environment for our residents.
Operation SMASH & Grab focuses its efforts on the Rancho Cucamonga, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Victorville, and Chino Hills shopping districts to disrupt and dismantle these retail store theft crews. Investigators utilize conventional and non-conventional investigative methods to accomplish this task and lessen the blight created by these bad actors.
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors authorized funds to assist with county-wide crime suppression. The intent is to provide additional funding to the Sheriff’s Department, allowing for increased law enforcement services related to quality-of-life issues affecting the communities in our county.
Refer: Public Affairs Division
Station: Gangs/Narcotics Division
Phone No. (909) 387-3700
Case No. 192403227, 662400316
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
Address/Location
SBSD - Headquarters
655 E 3rd St
San Bernardino, CA 92408
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 909-387-3700