Public Safety
Undercover Officers Dressed As Santa and Elf Bust Suspected Thieves
RIVERSIDE (CNS) – Officers dressed as Santa and an elf conducted an undercover operation at a Riverside shopping center and arrested various suspected shoplifters, police said.
The “holiday enforcement” operation was carried out Thursday at the Target store in the Canyon Springs shopping center, Officer Ryan Railsback of the Riverside Police Department said Saturday.
Those arrested include a woman who allegedly exited the store with a cart full of stolen merchandise and a homeless man accused of being a habitual thief at the Target location.
Patrick Seilsopour, 55, of Murrieta, was also arrested for allegedly stealing about $1,000 worth of expensive Lego toy sets.
As officers were finishing up the operation, they were alerted to three suspicious men casing cars in the parking lot, according to Railsback.
“One of the undercover detectives spotted these three men as they were in the act of stealing an older white Honda CR-V. Two of the men saw the detective and ran off but were quickly apprehended by the other officers,” Railsback said.
He said one of the suspects allegedly resisted arrest but that the undercover officer dressed as a Santa helped to subdue him.
In cellphone video posted to YouTube by Riverside police, an officer can be heard saying “Get him, Santa!” as the Santa-dressed officer runs toward the suspect and body slams him.
The suspect was arrested on suspicion of possessing illegal drugs and resisting arrest.
Also in the video, another suspect is seen denying involvement in the vehicle theft while being held at gunpoint by an officer dressed as an elf. He was later released, according to Railsback.
The third suspect drove away with the stolen SUV, which was found abandoned nearby.
“Detectives have him identified and will be making an arrest for car theft in the future,” Railsback said.
Amid a surging coronavirus pandemic, historic levels of joblessness and a looming expiration date for many federal pandemic aid programs, there has been an uptick in shoplifting across the nation, according to multiple reports.
By: NBC Palm Springs
December 13, 2020
Latest Instagram Posts
Where do you stand on how cities should handle public notification for neighborhood changes? #therogginreport #laquinta #localnews #explore #nbcpalmsprings
We have all the coverage on today’s Veterans Day Parade in Palm Springs on nbcpalmsprings.com. #nbcpalmsprings #veteransday #fyp #veterans #usa
80 years later, their stories still matter. These remarkable World War II Veterans were featured in our Emmy-winning special report, “80 Years Later: The Coachella Valley’s WWII Legacy.” As a small thank you for sharing their stories, we surprised them with the Emmy. It was an honor to recognize these heroes, all over 100 years old, for their service and sacrifice. To them, and to all who have served, Happy Veteran’s Day.
Chef Richard Blais sets out to cook what he loves to eat. From fast food to working in Michelin star restaurants, he creates traditional dishes with his own unique twist. He’s taken that same approach with his new book: Sauce Life. The book combines his culinary journey with over 70 sauces that range from simple yet delicious to complex crowd pleasers. Signed Copies of Sauce Life are available now at @kestrelkitchenindianwells inside the Indian Wells Golf Resort.
So, Madonna in the Dance Tent… were you expecting that? And who else on this lineup has your attention? 👀 #Coachella2027 #Coachella #Indio #coachellavalley
Who has the BEST cell service in the Coachella Valley? 👀 Which carrier do YOU use, and how’s your service?👇 #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #fyp #nbcpalmsprings
Breakfast for just $1 while helping local families this holiday season! Starting Thursday, Spencer’s Restaurant in Palm Springs is offering ANY breakfast menu item for just $1, with proceeds benefiting DAP Health’s Winter Fest. The annual effort provides food, blankets and toys to families in need across the eastern Coachella Valley. Want to give a little more? The restaurant’s owner will match additional donations up to $10,000! The deal runs from 7:30–10 a.m. through November 22. Reservations are required through OpenTable. Would you take advantage of a $1 breakfast to support a great local cause? #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley #DAPHealth #SpencersRestaurant #WinterFest #SupportLocal
☕️Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Are you a veteran?
Firefighters, furry friends and a great cause! Palm Springs Life magazine has teamed up with the Palm Springs Fire Department and Animal Samaritans for a new charity calendar featuring local firefighters and adorable adoptable animals. Calendars are $20, with a portion of sales benefiting the Animal Samaritans Rescue Fund and the restoration of El Diablo, a historic 1931 American fire engine. It's a great way to support two local organizations while bringing a little extra cuteness to your wall! #PalmSprings #AnimalSamaritans #PalmSpringsFireDepartment #AdoptDontShop #CoachellaValley #NBCPalmSprings
Overriding the jury, the voters, and the families? This decision is sparking major outrage across the state. What’s your take? #therogginreport #news #trendingnews #fyp #nbcpalmsprings