On Monday, just after 4:30 p.m., officers responded to a retail store regarding a grand theft that had just occurred, according to the Huntington Beach Police Department.
Thanks to a detailed description of the getaway vehicle provided by a witness, the officers quickly located the car and conducted a traffic stop.
Inside the vehicle, officers located the stolen merchandise and discovered that the suspects had outstanding warrants.
One of the individuals lamely attempted to provide a false name to the officers.
All three — the suspect who entered the store, the getaway driver, and the lookout — were arrested.
While being processed at the jail, one suspect was also found to be in possession of narcotics, resulting in additional charges.
In total, the suspects were arrested for various charges, including organized retail theft, theft with priors, identity theft, and providing false identification to a peace officer.
These suspects learned the hard way that crime is never a good side hustle on Labor Day in Huntington Beach.
HBPD remains dedicated to supporting the business community and keeping Huntington Beach safe. They have a message for the criminals – crime doesn’t pay in Huntington Beach.
Based on California law as of 2025, the suspects arrested in Huntington Beach face multiple charges, each carrying distinct penalties:
1. Organized Retail Theft (Penal Code § 490.4)
This applies when two or more individuals coordinate to steal merchandise, especially for resale or exchange.
- If the stolen goods exceed $950, and especially if the suspects have prior theft convictions, the charge is a felony.
- Penalties:
- Up to 3 years in state prison
- Fines and restitution
- Aggregated thefts over 12 months can be combined to meet felony thresholds
2. Theft with Priors
Repeat offenders face enhanced penalties under California’s theft laws.
- Penalties:
- Automatic elevation to felony charges
- Up to 3 years in prison
- Longer probation periods
- Possible denial of diversion programs
3. Identity Theft (Penal Code § 530.5)
Using another person’s identifying information for unlawful purposes is a wobbler—it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony.
- Misdemeanor:
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- Felony:
- 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in jail
- Fines up to $10,000
- Possible deportation for non-citizens
4. Providing False Identification to a Peace Officer (Penal Code § 148.9)
Giving a false name or ID during lawful detention or arrest is a misdemeanor.
- Penalties:
- Up to 6 months in jail
- Fine up to $1,000
5. Possession of Narcotics
Possessing controlled substances during arrest can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the substance and prior history.
- Misdemeanor:
- Up to 1 year in county jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- Probation and mandatory drug treatment
- Felony:
- Up to 3 years in state prison
- Larger fines and longer probation