Shoplifting Incident Leads to 3 Arrests and Seizure of Illicit Drugs
Photo: 580 Redwood Highway
MILL VALLEY — A shoplifting incident turned into something much bigger. Three men have been arrested and illicit drugs seized, but a fourth suspect remains at large.
Marin County Sheriff’s Office deputies initially responded to a shoplifting call. A clerk at Walgreens on Shoreline Highway reported that thieves grabbed merchandise and fled on March 15.
A deputy spotted a car matching a description of the fleeing suspects on Highway 101. Efforts to stop the car went unheeded as it traveled northbound.
The driver exited the freeway and stopped at a gas station at 580 Redwood Highway. The driver and two other passengers were detained, but one other passenger ran away.
Turns out one of the suspects allegedly stole the car. Deputies conducted a search and found cocaine, methamphetamine and cannabis, and merchandise from Walgreens. Personal checks, credit and debit cards not belonging to any of the suspects were also recovered.
Carlos A. Penate, a 38-year-old customer service rep from San Francisco, remains in custody in lieu of $10,000 bond. Penate has been arrested 11 times since 2015 for drug-related and other offenses.
Penate was booked this time for receiving a stolen vehicle, and possession and transportation of controlled substances for sale. Plus, he faces charges for possession of drug paraphernalia, petty theft, and conspiracy.
Khairy C. Parker, a 31-year-old Uber driver from San Francisco, also remains in custody in lieu of $10,000 bond.
Parker was booked on three felony charges for conspiracy, receiving stolen property, and evading an officer with disregard for public safety. Plus, he faces two misdemeanor charges.
Clarence Thompson, a 40-year-old laborer, from San Rafael was also arrested. Thompson remains in custody for parole violation. In addition, Thompson faces six misdemeanor charges related to drug possession, fraud, and identity theft.
