CRIME, POLICE + COURTS

Police may have busted smash-and-grab ring in central Utah

Dec 17, 2018, 6:24 PM | Updated: 6:29 pm

(Photo Credit: Sevier County Jail)

(Photo Credit: Sevier County Jail)

RICHFIELD – A ring of smash-and-grab burglars from California appears to be targeting stores in Utah.  Police caught two of the suspects after $23 thousand worth of generators were stolen in Sevier County.

The thieves didn’t take long to get what they wanted from the Jorgensen’s Honda in Richfield.

“They smashed in the front door and, within two and a half minutes, removed all 18 generators,” according to Richfield Police Chief Trent Lloyd

There were four suspects who came to the scene in two separate cars.  Investigators got a lucky break after a clerk inside a Chevron in Beaver spotted a vehicle after hearing the description on a police scanner.

“That clerk made all the difference, just that one person willing to say something.  We wouldn’t be where we’re at without her help.”

The Sevier County Sheriff’s Department found the vehicle, with all 18 generators inside.  They arrested 26-year-old Carlos Fuentes from Los Angeles, and a 16-year-old from Hawthorne.  However, two other suspects are still on the loose, and investigators have very little to go on to find them.

Lloyd believes the thieves have done five of these burglaries in Utah.  He says they admitted to doing a smash-and-grab in Cedar City, and he claims he’s seen surveillance video of them pulling off a job in South Jordan.  He thinks the thieves are part of a well organized ring.

“Coming all the way out from California, doing five of the same things…  if it smells like a skunk and walks like one, then it must be,” Lloyd says.

He wouldn’t be surprised if the group is behind more burglaries than that.

“I’m betting that there’s more throughout the western United States.”

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Crime, Police + Courts

the letter season 2 rasmussen family before grief and trauma...

Amy Donaldson

Life Sentences: The Letter explores grief, trauma and lingering effects

Season 2 of "The Letter" focuses on the impact of trauma and grief on two families damaged by murder in the early 1980s in Utah.

26 minutes ago

Melani Pawlowski, Lori Daybell's niece, testifies during the trial for Chad Daybell in Boise on Mon...

Emily Ashcraft, KSL.com

Lori Daybell’s niece testifies about zombies, castings at Chad Daybell’s murder trial

Melani Pawlowski, Lori Daybell's niece, gave the jury several examples of how, she said, Chad Daybell exerted influence over a fringe religious group.

12 hours ago

Image of Sgt. Billy Dean Hooser, an officer with the Santaquin Police Department that was killed in...

Eliza Pact, KSLTV.com

Santaquin Police Department identifies officer hit and killed by semitruck driver

The victim, Sgt. Billy Dean Hooser, was a Utah native with eight years of law enforcement experience.

15 hours ago

Santaquin residence are honoring the officer who died on Sunday. A memorial has been set up for peo...

Adam Small

Santaquin residents honor fallen officer

Santaquin residents are honoring the police officer who died on Sunday. A memorial has been set up for people to visit at the city hall.

17 hours ago

Officer Jeffrey Cox of the South Jordan Police Department salutes as a procession with the body of ...

Dan Bammes

LISTEN: Police give update on Santaquin police officer death

50-year-old St. Billy Dean Hooser, of Santaquin died after he was deliberately hit by a semi-truck that had, earlier, been pulled over. 

19 hours ago

Former President Donald Trump speaks with the media at Manhattan Supreme Court during the proceedin...

Jeremy Herb, Kara Scannell, Lauren del Valle and Eric Levenson, CNN

Judge finds Trump in contempt for 10th time over gag order and threatens jail

Judge Juan Merchan has found former President Donald Trump in contempt for violating the gag order in his hush money trial for the 10th time.

20 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

a doctor putting her hand on the chest of her patient...

Intermountain Health

Intermountain nurse-midwives launch new gynecology access clinic

An access clinic launched by Intermountain nurse-midwives provides women with comprehensive gynecology care.

Young couple hugging while a realtor in a suit hands them keys in a new home...

Utah Association of Realtors

Buying a home this spring? Avoid these 5 costly pitfalls

By avoiding these pitfalls when buying a home this spring, you can ensure your investment will be long-lasting and secure.

a person dressed up as a nordic viking in a dragon boat resembling the bear lake monster...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Legend of the Bear Lake Monster

The Bear Lake monster has captivated people in the region for centuries, with tales that range from the believable to the bizarre.

...

Live Nation Concerts

All the artists coming to Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre (formerly USANA Amp) this summer

Summer concerts are more than just entertainment; they’re a celebration of life, love, and connection.

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

Police may have busted smash-and-grab ring in central Utah