Full Notification

DATE/TIME: November 30, 2024 / 4:00 PM

INCIDENT: 
P.C. 666.1 - Theft with prior convictions
P.C. 484 - Fraudulent use of an access card
P.C. 530.5 - Identity theft
P.C. 368 - Elder abuse


LOCATION: Costco, 13111 Peyton Drive, Chino Hills 

SUSPECT(S): William Felipe Agudelo Puertas, a 34-year-old California resident

VICTIM(S): Confidential


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 reformed multiple laws from Proposition 47, which have been responsible for increasing homelessness, drug addiction and theft. Proposition 36 included 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 was applied:

On Saturday, November 30, 2024, at around 4:00 PM, the elderly female victim was in the Costco parking lot after shopping. She placed her purse and groceries in her vehicle and walked away momentarily to return the shopping cart. When she returned, she found an unidentified suspect had opened her vehicle door and stole her purse. The suspect utilized her bank cards at multiple locations. 

The Chino Hills Multiple Enforcement Team was assigned to investigate. Multiple video surveillance recordings were reviewed, which led to investigative leads. The suspect, William Felipe Agudelo Puertas, was identified through the investigation. 

Puertas had multiple prior convictions related to theft, conspiracy, and burglary. On December 12, 2024, MET obtained a warrant for his arrest. 

On February 26, 2025, Puertas was arrested in Ventura County following a similar crime and vehicle pursuit. Puertas will remain in custody in Ventura County before he is transferred to West Valley Detention Center for multiple charges.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Chino Hills Police Department at (909) 364-2000. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463), or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.

Refer: Deputies Andrew Brown or Juan Estrada

Station: Chino Hills Station

Phone No. (909) 364-2000

Case No. 222403535

SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department