On Friday, Irvine Police Department officers deployed at the Spectrum patrolled Lululemon and recognized a man and woman who had previously shoplifted.
Once the suspects saw the police officers, they ran into the parking lot as if they were in a decathlon, starting with the “bush hurdles.”
The man cleared a few bushes with a struggling form, but the woman missed her jump and landed on the asphalt.
Next up was the vehicle dodge, where they narrowly avoided being struck by a moving car.
The IPD’s security partners at the Sepctrum relayed updates from their surveillance video cameras, guiding the police officers straight to the suspects.
Teamwork set up the final event, and the officers boxed in the suspects before they could escape.
Diego Andres Zarra Mella, 35, and Luz Mundoz Reyes, 26, both from Los Angeles, were booked at the Orange County Jail for organized retail theft, conspiracy, and shoplifting.
Here’s a summary of the potential penalties Diego Andres Zarra Mella and Luz Mundoz Reyes could face for organized retail theft, conspiracy, and shoplifting in California:
Organized Retail Theft (PC § 490.4)
- If the stolen merchandise is worth more than $950, and the theft occurred on two or more occasions within 12 months, it can be charged as a felony.
- Felony penalties include:
- 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in county jail.
- Fines and restitution to the affected retailers.
- A restraining order barring entry to the stores involved.
- If the value is under $950, it’s typically a misdemeanor, punishable by:
- Up to 1 year in county jail.
Conspiracy to Commit Theft (New 2025 Law)
- Prosecutors can charge suspects with felony conspiracy even if they didn’t personally steal anything.
- This law targets coordinated thefts, including roles like lookouts or getaway drivers.
- Penalties may include:
- Up to 3 years in jail for participating in organized theft schemes.
Shoplifting (PC § 459.5)
- If charged separately, shoplifting (entering a store during business hours to steal) is usually a misdemeanor.
- Penalties include:
- Up to 6 months in jail.
- Fines and probation.
Additional Notes
- Prosecutors may combine charges, increasing the overall sentence.
- If convicted, the suspects may also be ordered to stay away from retail establishments involved in the crime.