Photo: Stock Image
By Jim Emerson
WALNUT CREEK — Eight more individuals have been arrested in an ongoing operation targeting
organized retail thefts. A task force comprised of Walnut Creek police and California Highway Patrol
officers conducted this law enforcement action on December 7.
Three adults and five juveniles were apprehended in this latest mass arrest. The goal is suppression
of recent increased retail thefts occurring in downtown Walnut Creek. Incidentally, one of the adults
who was taken into custody was found in possession of a stolen firearm.
The following adults were booked at the Martinez Detention facility –
* Gerardo Cacho, 21, a resident of Stockton
* Bryan Escobar-Cortez, 21, a resident of Stockton.
* Tommie D. Lewis, 23, a resident of Rodeo
Cacho as booked for conspiracy to commit crime, receiving or concealing stolen property, and
shoplifting. He was also booked for carrying a loaded firearm, and possession of a large capacity
magazine.
Escobar-Cortez was booked on suspicion of conspiracy to commit crime, and shoplifting. Lewis was
booked for organized retail theft, grand theft, burglary, and resisting/obstructing an officer.
This marks the second special operation targeting retail crime conducted in Walnut Creek within two
months. Sixteen individuals including one juvenile were arrested by Walnut Creek police in November.
Walnut Creek PD said in a prepared statement that more special operations are planned. “We look
forward to continuing these types of operations to show criminals they are not welcome in Walnut
Creek.”
