Lake Elsinore Arrest of Five in Retail Theft Suppression Operation
“On Wednesday, February 21, 2024, the Lake Elsinore Station Special Enforcement Team (SET) and Robbery Burglary Suppression Team (RBST) conducted a theft suppression operation at a retail store located within the 29300 block of Central Avenue Lake Elsinore. Deputies partnered with loss prevention employees within the business, identified multiple persons concealing items on their persons, and observed these subjects exit the business without paying. During the operation, five individuals were arrested for theft related crimes (Petty theft, grand theft, conspiracy, and commercial burglary) and ultimately resulted in the recovery of over $4,000.00 in stolen merchandise. RBST and SET deputies also connected one of the subjects to other thefts in the Riverside County area which resulted in aggregated felony theft charges. All suspects were arrested and transported to the Cois Byrd Detention center and booked.
- Nedal Salman, 45-year-old, resident of Mead Valley (aggregated felony theft charges)
- Joseph Mende, 41-year-old, resident of Lake Elsinore
- Freddy Santillanes, 34-year-old, resident of Fresno
- Alfonso Marquez, 42-year-old, resident of Fresno
- Anabelle Escobar, 37-year-old, resident of Menifee
Retail theft effects business owners, citizens, and everyone’s overall quality of life. Deputies from the Lake Elsinore Station are dedicated to addressing the issue and will continue our efforts to reduce theft related crimes by hold individuals caught stealing accountable for their actions.
As a reminder, “Community Policing” involves partnerships between law enforcement and community members. Business owners and residents are encouraged to report criminal activity directly to law enforcement by calling Sheriff’s Dispatch at (951) 776–1099, or by calling 911 if the matter is an emergency.
For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.”
