San Bernardino Police Department investigators have been following up on leads pertaining to the looting that took place on the evening of 5/31/20 and into the morning of 6/1/20.
On 6/5/20, the San Bernardino Police Department District Crimes Unit was contacted by the manager of the Harbor Freight Tools located at 1700 E. Highland Avenue. While reviewing surveillance footage of the looting that occurred at his store, he recognized an employee as one of the looters that removed items from inside the business. During the investigation, it was determined tools, a machete, and a welding helmet was taken by the employee.
San Bernardino Police Department investigators located the suspect and recovered stolen property taken during the incident. The suspect was interviewed by police detectives and he admitted to his involvement. The suspect was subsequently booked into county jail and the stolen property was returned to the business.
“Unfortunately, many of these crimes appear to be opportunistic,” said Investigations Captain Adam Affrunti. “In this case, an employee, entrusted by the business, took advantage of the situation when law enforcement resources were stretched across other areas of the city.”
If you have any additional information which can help solve additional crimes, or you would like to speak with an investigator, please contact Detective R. Whitmer at (909) 384-5668