DATE/TIME: December 30, 2024, 4:20 p.m.
INCIDENT: PC 666.1(a)(1) - Theft with Two Prior Convictions
LOCATION: 10576 Foothill Boulevard, Rancho Cucamonga
SUSPECT(S): Damien Gonzalez, 36-years-old, Resident of Rancho Cucamonga
VICTIM(S): Target
SUMMARY: On November 5, 2024, California voters passed Proposition 36 titled “The Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act.” The proposition took effect on December 18, 2024, and reforms multiple laws from Proposition 47, which have been responsible for increasing homelessness, drug addiction and theft. Proposition 36 includes several new Penal and Health and Safety Codes that deputies will be able to apply during arrests when appropriate. These new charges can carry enhanced sentencing, as well as prevent offenders from being cite released prior to their court appearance. The following is an arrest where Proposition 36 is applied:
On December 30, 2024, deputies from the Rancho Cucamonga Station responded to a report of a theft in progress at the Target. Damien Gonzalez opened packaged food items and stuffed the contents in his pockets. Gonzalez then went to the men’s clothing department, selected a jacket, ripped the tags off and put it on. Once Gonzalez selected the jacket, he went to the front of the store, removed a soft drink from the refrigerator near the check out stands and proceeded to try to leave the store. Gonzalez was confronted by loss prevention officers at the store’s threshold, where he removed the jacket and the soft drink and pushed his way past the loss prevention officers.
Gonzalez was located by deputies a short distance from the store. Gonzalez has multiple previous convictions for theft related offenses. Gonzalez was arrested and booked into the West Valley Detention Center for PC 666.1, Petty Theft with Two Prior Convictions.
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department at 909-477-2800. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to www.wetip.com.
Refer: Deputy M. Martinez-Nava
Station: Rancho Cucamonga Station
Phone No. (909) 477-2800
Case No. 112414348
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
