Three men were arrested in San Marino last week after police found them allegedly plotting to steal gardening equipment. The arrests took place on Friday around 1 p.m. in the 2300 block of Roanoke Road, when San Marino police officers patrolling the area spotted a car without license plates containing multiple individuals.
Details of the Arrest
Suspects Identified:
- Cesar Jimenez (34), Altadena – The driver of the vehicle
- On probation and under post-release community supervision for burglary
- Had an outstanding warrant from another jurisdiction
- Previous arrests for stealing gardening equipment
- Jesus Rodriguez (30), Los Angeles – Front-seat passenger
- On parole for assault with a deadly weapon against a peace officer or firefighter
- Previously arrested by San Marino police for a similar gardening equipment theft
- Recognized by detectives as a suspect in other burglary cases involving gardening equipment
- Third Suspect (Unidentified) – Police have not disclosed details about this individual, but he was later transferred to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Inmate Reception Center.
Suspicious Items Found in the Vehicle
During a search of the vehicle, police recovered the following items often associated with burglary and theft operations:
- Bolt cutters
- Box of gloves
- Face masks
- Finger covers
- A drone
- Neck gaiter
Nearby, officers observed two gardening trucks, which raised suspicions about the suspects’ intentions.
“Based on the information discovered, it is believed the three suspects conspired to commit grand theft of gardening equipment,” said the San Marino Police Department.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
All three men were arrested on charges of:
- Conspiracy to commit grand theft
- Possession of burglary tools
Probation and Parole Holds:
- Jimenez: A probation hold was obtained due to his existing legal status.
- Rodriguez: A parole hold was placed due to his criminal history and active parole status.
Criminal Histories of the Suspects
- Cesar Jimenez: Known for previous garden equipment thefts and burglary-related charges
- Jesus Rodriguez: History of violent offenses, including assaulting a peace officer
- Both suspects have been involved in multiple jurisdictions for crimes involving burglary and theft
Community Impact and Police Response
The San Gabriel Valley region has seen an increase in theft-related incidents targeting gardening trucks. Police departments in the area have been stepping up patrols and sharing intelligence across jurisdictions to address this growing trend.
The San Marino Police Department credited the officers’ proactive patrolling and prior knowledge of the suspects for the swift arrests.
As this investigation continues, authorities are working to determine whether the suspects are linked to other thefts in the area. Police are also urging residents and business owners, especially those with gardening trucks or landscaping businesses, to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.
