Necklace Stolen, Man Arrested by San Jacinto Police

SAN JACINTO – Police came up with a suspect quickly after a woman had a gold necklace stolen on Wednesday afternoon. Dayton Thomas, 20, of Hemet, was arrested for robbery a short time after allegedly committing the crime.

Dayton Thomas

San Jacinto police were summoned to a nearby grocery store at the 1500 block of South San Jacinto Avenue at 1:30 p.m. Thomas reportedly approached a female who was entering the grocery store, asking her if she had any change, according to Sgt. Joey Nardone. He said when the female said no, the suspect grabbed a gold necklace from around her neck and fled the location on foot. Police were contacted immediately.

Arriving officers searched the area in an adjacent housing tract and found a person, Thomas, who matched the suspect’s description. He was searched and police discovered the gold necklace in his possession. Thomas was arrested without incident, according to reports. No injuries were reported by the victim.

There were some witnesses that helped provide a description of the crime and suspect. The area, which is located near the intersection of Esplanade Ave. and South San Jacinto Ave., includes several shopping areas and businesses.

Police did not say if Thomas was discovered inside a residence. They also did not disclose whether he has a prior criminal record. San Jacinto is a community located next to neighboring Hemet in Riverside County. Thomas was booked into Smith Correctional Facility in nearby Banning.

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