DAVIS, Calif. — When two suspected thieves allegedly walked out of the CVS pharmacy on 1550 East Covell Boulevard in Davis with bags full of goods, police caught them as they were leaving the city.
They said on Thursday they received a 911 call from the CVS pharmacy reporting a theft-in-progress. Entering the store with large bags, the caller reported two people grabbed products off shelves and fled in a vehicle outside.
When the car with the two suspects was stopped by police, they were able to recover the goods — which included soap, skin care products and many other items.
Further investigating showed the two teenagers may have committed similar prior thefts in Woodland, according to Davis Police Department officials.
"We were also able to determine through further investigation that they were involved in a couple of thefts that occurred in the city of Woodland at their local pharmacies prior to coming to the city of Davis," said. Lt. James Macniven with the Davis Police Department.
Both 19-year-old Dorian Adams and 18-year-old Taveon Thompson, residents of Antioch, were arrested and booked at the Yolo County Jail on burglary, conspiracy and organized retail theft charges.
But later that same day at the CVS pharmacy on East Kovell Boulevard, a Davis police detective in plain clothes was conducting follow-up for the morning robbery, when he was alerted that another grab and dash robbery was actively happening in that very same store.
"The detective identified himself and attempted to detain one subject. a struggle had ensued between that detective and all three of the subjects were able to flee to a waiting vehicle in the parking lot," said Macniven.
Davis police said three thieves in hooded sweatshirts were able to get away in a dark sedan and still haven't been caught. ABC 10 has also learned that just down the road on West Kovell Boulevard, a separate CVS pharmacy was also the target of thieves in recent days.
"We're taking measures to increase our presence and our activity creating higher visibility in our commercial areas," Macniven said.
He added the value of the retail goods that were stolen yesterday meets the legal standard for felony theft.
"The punishment for the retail organized theft statute is up to three years in county prison and also punishable by a fine."
Melinda Aiello, assistant chief deputy district attorney for Yolo County said these crimes have a deep impact on the community, and that there will be consequences for those involved in thefts.
"The law enforcement community is collaborating, we are communicating, we are going to make sure that our businesses are protected and our community stays safe," Aiello said.
ABC 10 reached out to CVS Friday about the thefts, in a response they sent the following statement:
"the safety of our employees and customers is a high priority and we have security measures in place that are continually reviewed to help ensure our stores remain safe environments to work, shop and fill prescriptions.
