REDLANDS - A shoplifting arrest Friday led to the discovery of an organized theft ring.
Redlands police responded Friday to a theft in progress at a Target store, according to a police news release.
When they arrived, store security informed them that a man inside had hidden video games inside some other merchandise before placing them on a shelf.
A second man then picked up the merchandise and paid for the item without paying for the video games.
Redlands police by this time had surrounded the store at 27320 W. Lugonia Ave., according to the release.
Police arrested 22-year-old Henry Llerena of San Bernardino and 23-year-old Joseph Hernandez on suspicion of burglary and conspiracy to commit burglary.
Officers found evidence in Llerena's vehicle consistent with marijuana sales, according to the release. Llerena was also arrested on suspicion of marijuana for sale.
The amount, "was enough that it was clear it was for sales and not for personal use," the release said.
Officers found a total of 26.5 grams of marijuana along with a scale and baggies, Baker said.
During the investigation, police developed leads which led them to 32-year-old Daniel Herrera, a vendor at the San Bernardino Indoor Swap Meet.
Police set up a buy where Herrera purchased what he thought were stolen video games, according to the release.
Officers saw the previously purchased video games on display at Herrera's shop at the swap meet on Saturday. Undercover officers bought four of the games before they arrested Herrera.
After his arrest, officers confiscated DVDs, video games, game systems and components worth more than $35,000, according to the news release.
Herrera was arrested on suspicion of attempted possession of stolen property.
Such theft-ring busts are an unusual occurrence within the city of Redlands, Baker said.
Investigators arrested people involved with an identity theft ring in the area in 2006, he said.
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