A commercial burglary occurred early on a rainy morning. Costa Mesa police officers responded immediately to the burglary in progress after it was reported that a truck had rammed the gate and door of a building on Toronto Way, causing extensive damage.
Several vehicles, including a white Ford Explorer, were seen loading boxes of merchandise from the business.
The police officers located the Explorer leaving the location and attempted to pull it over. The vehicle did not yield, but the officers were persistent. The suspects fled northbound on the 405. CHP officers assisted and put out a spike strip near the 22 freeway, spiking the suspect vehicle.
The pursuit continued north and then back south into Huntington Beach. Costa Mesa officers caught one of the suspects that fled from the vehicle while Huntington Beach PD assumed the pursuit on PCH, where they apprehended two additional suspects.
The suspect vehicle involved was filled with stolen merchandise products.
The CMPD wants to thank their partners at the Santa Ana CHP and the Huntington Beach Police Department for assisting in these arrests. Together, they taught the susoects that they can’t burglarize our communities without getting caught.
Penalties faced by the suspects
Based on the details of the incident and California law as of 2026, the suspects face significant legal penalties for multiple felony offenses.
Likely Criminal Charges & Penalties
- Commercial Burglary (Penal Code 459): Because the incident involved entering a non-residential building with intent to steal, it is classified as second-degree burglary.
- Penalty: This is a “wobbler” but is typically prosecuted as a felony for organized retail theft or major property damage. A felony conviction carries a sentence of 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in county jail or state prison.
- Felony Reckless Evading (Vehicle Code 2800.2): Fleeing from police with a “wanton disregard for safety”—evidenced by the high-speed pursuit on the 405 and the need for spike strips—triggers this charge.
- Penalty: Conviction as a felony carries 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison and fines up to $10,000.
- Vandalism / Felony Property Damage (Penal Code 594): Using a truck to ram a gate and door causing “extensive damage” constitutes felony vandalism if the damage exceeds $400.
- Penalty: Felony vandalism can result in up to one year in jail or prison and a fine of up to $10,000 or more depending on the cost of repair.
Additional Legal Consequences
- Asset Forfeiture & Fines: The suspects may be required to pay restitution for the extensive structural damage to the Toronto Way building and the value of any unrecovered merchandise.
- Vehicle Impoundment: Under California law, the vehicle used to flee can be impounded for up to 30 days following the arrest.
- License Suspension: A conviction for felony evading will result in a driver’s license suspension as a condition of probation.