Two suspects stole multiple items from the Target on Barranca, according to the Irvine Police Department.
When a security guard contacted them, the male suspect pushed the guard aside.
The suspects are both white. The male has very short hair and he was wearing a gray sweatshirt and blue jeans. The female suspect was wearing brown slacks, a green long-sleeved shirt, and a black vest. Her hair was brown. She was wearing white tennis shoes.
If you can help the police to identify these suspects, please contact mricci@cityofirvine.org.
In California, the penalties for retail theft and assaulting a store security guard can be quite severe, especially if both crimes are committed together.
Retail Theft
Retail theft, depending on the value of the stolen goods, can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony:
- Misdemeanor: If the value of the stolen goods is less than $950, the offense is typically charged as a misdemeanor, which can result in up to 6 months in county jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
- Felony: If the value exceeds $950, or if the defendant has prior theft-related convictions, the charge can be elevated to a felony, carrying more severe penalties, including potential imprisonment in state prison for up to 3 years.
Assaulting a Store Security Guard
Assaulting a store security guard is considered a serious offense:
- Simple Assault: Under California Penal Code § 240, simple assault is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
- Aggravated Assault: If the assault involves a deadly weapon or results in serious bodily injury, the penalties can be much harsher, potentially leading to felony charges with imprisonment for 2 to 4 years.
Combining these offenses can lead to compounded penalties, including longer jail or prison sentences and higher fines.
