Investigators in Chino Hills Arrest Two Suspects After Multiple Thefts of Payment Terminals at Local Businesses
DATE/TIME: September 2, 2026 and September 29, 2026
INCIDENT: PC 459- Burglary, PC 666.1(a)(1)-Theft with Priors, PC 182 - Conspiracy
LOCATION: 14000 Block of Pipeline Avenue, Chino Hills / 5700 block of Pine Avenue, Chino Hills
SUSPECT 1: Alexander Salas 30-year-old resident of Corona
SUSPECT 2: Monique Nancy Martinez 32-year-old resident of Corona
VICTIM(S): Kwick Dry Cleaners / Econo Lube N' Tune Brakes / 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 September 2, 2026, Alexander Salas and an unidentified suspect forced entry into Kwick Dry Cleaners and stole two payment terminals. A third suspect involved drove a white 2022 Toyota Corolla. The terminals were used to process approximately $4,000 in fraudulent refunds.
On September 20, 2026, an unidentified suspect burglarized Econo Lube N’ Tune and Brakes and stole another payment terminal. The terminal processed about $16,000 in fraudulent refunds; the same Toyota Corolla was seen nearby.
On September 29, 2026, Chino Hills deputies and Corona police stopped the Toyota Corolla. Salas was driving with Monique Nancy Martinez as a passenger. Salas was on Post Release Community Supervision for grand theft auto and subject to search terms. A search warrant was served at a residence in Corona and uncovered suspected narcotics, six payment terminals, various debit/credit cards, and evidence linking Martinez to the burglaries. One terminal was confirmed stolen from Kwick Dry Cleaners.
Salas’ criminal history revealed two or more qualifying theft-related convictions, making him eligible for felony enhancement under Penal Code section 666.1(a)(1). Salas was arrested and booked at West Valley Detention Center.
Investigators obtained an arrest warrant for Martinez on October 2, 2026. On October 7, 2026 Martinez was arrested while visiting Salas at a detention facility and was booked on the warrant.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Deputy H. Rodriguez at 909-364-2000. Anonymous callers may contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME or www.wetip.com.
Refer: Deputy H. Rodriguez
Station: Chino Hills Patrol Station
Phone No. 909-364-2000
Case No. 222602079 / 22260222
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
Address/Location
SBSD - Chino Hills Police Department
14077 Peyton Dr
Chino Hills, CA 91709
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1