Auburn police chief says teens in store theft taking advantage of coronavirus pandemic
Two teenage boys have been arrested by twice in three weeks, including a beer theft at a convenience store in which a clerk was injured as they escaped with the stolen merchandise, according to police.
The arrests of the two boys prompted Auburn Police Chief Ryan Kinnan to say the teens are just like others arrested and taking advantage a temporary statewide order to temporarily end cash bail during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Our current situation, as a result of current legislations and the early release of prisoners from state and local levels due to COVID-19, has only created an increased level of empowerment for criminals,” Kinnan said in a news release. “These two are only one example of the number of criminals who commit multiple crimes knowing there is little to no punishment for their actions.”
California courts leaders last week voted to temporarily end cash bail for suspected lower-level offenders to slow the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, in county jails and courtrooms. The emergency order sets bail at $0 for most misdemeanor and lower-level felonies.
“We have arrested them twice for violent felonies over the past three weeks. Enough is enough,” Kinnan said. “These two kids are selfish and have taken it upon themselves to exploit our current state to prey upon community members who are just trying to get by.”
The boys, 16 and 17 years old, were first arrested March 23 for their alleged involvement in a burglary of a business in the 800 block of Lincoln Way in Auburn, police officials said.
The convenience store robbery occurred Monday in the 500 block of Auburn Ravine Road. Police said the teens entered the store, grabbed beer and tobacco products, then left.
The teens attacked the clerk during his attempt to stop them before they left the store, according to police. Officials said the clerk suffered moderate injuries. Detectives later identified the teens and arrested them Wednesday.
The teens were arrested on suspicion of robbery, criminal conspiracy and violating Placer County’s shelter-in-place order. The boys’ names were not released because they are minors.
Kinnan said the statewide order to reduce bail needs to change to address the lack of accountability for criminals.
“This pandemic is already difficult enough for our community and business owners,” the police chief said in the release. “What we do not need now are criminals, such as these two, making things worse.”
