Lathrop police arrest four people on organized retail theft and drug charges

On By Pranco

It’s been a busy week for the City of Lathrop Police Department.

Last Thursday, officers arrested a suspect allegedly driving a black Hummer recklessly in the area of ​​Kerry Court and Gresham Street around 10:34 p.m., according to the report released Monday.

“When officers located the Hummer, the driver refused to stop and fled through River Islands,” the report said.

This led to a pursuit of the Hummer, with the report noting that “the driver intentionally struck multiple Lathrop PD vehicles, completely disabling one officer’s vehicle.”

According to police, the suspect then attempted to drive over an embankment, temporarily rendering his vehicle inoperable.

Realizing the danger to the public, officers quickly blocked the Hummer, using patrol vehicles to prevent the suspect from fleeing.

“During a brief confrontation in which the suspect refused to comply with commands and attacked a police K9, less-lethal force options were employed and the suspect was taken into custody,” police said.

The suspect was taken to San Joaquin County Hospital for treatment of minor injuries and was later booked into SJC Jail on multiple charges, including felony reckless eluding, assault with a deadly weapon on a police K9 and resisting against arrest.

The Lathrop Police Department additionally thanked the Manteca Police Department for assistance with the incident.

Earlier that week, Lathrop police arrested four suspects at the local Target store on charges of organized retail theft and possession of narcotics.

They arrived Tuesday, November 19, in a stolen Toyota Avalon with fraudulent license plates.

“One suspect acted as a getaway driver while the others entered the store and stole various items, including a Dyson vacuum cleaner, clothing, batteries, candy, makeup, condoms and adult toys,” police said.

These items were valued at $1,228.

Police added that the four suspects in possession of methamphetamine admitted to committing similar thefts in the Bay Area and were found with more suspected stolen property.