DATE: Monday, May 19, 2025
INCIDENT: Theft with two or more prior convicitons - California Penal Code 666.1
LOCATION: 13181 Peyton Drive, Chino Hills (Harbor Freight)
SUSPECT(S): Inocencio Mendez Lozano -35-year-old resident of Los Angeles
VICTIM(S): State of California
SUMMARY: On November 5, 2024, California voters passed Proposition 36, “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 includes several new Penal and Health and Safety Codes that deputies can apply during arrests when appropriate. These new charges can carry enhanced sentencing and prevent offenders from being cited and released before their court appearance. The following is an arrest where Proposition 36 was applied:
On April 21, 2025, three male suspects entered Harbor Freight in the city of Chino Hills, took seven rotary vehicle polishers, and ran out of the business without paying. Through investigation, deputies identified one of the suspects as Inocencio Mendez Lozano, a 35-year-old-resident of Los Angeles. Mendez Lozano had multiple prior theft convictions. A warrant was issued for Mendez Lozano's arrest, and he was apprehended on May 19, 2025. Mendez Lozano was booked at West Valley Detention Center for California Penal Code 666.1.
Deputies are working to identify the remaining suspects. 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: Deputy Frank Lopez
Station: Chino Hills Patrol Station
Phone No. (909) 463-2001
Case No. 222501081
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
