Photo: Stock Photo
NOVATO — Three suspects arrested were caught fleeing from the Vintage Oaks Shopping Center, which experienced an uptick in retail thefts. The trio was caught while in possession of stolen merchandise, in addition to illicit drugs and associated paraphernalia.
This incident occurred on June 7 at approximately 7 p.m. A Novato officer was investigating a recent theft when another theft was reported in progress. Additional officers were dispatched to saturate the area surrounding the shopping center.
The police found three persons matching the descriptions provided by a witness who reported the thefts. The three suspects attempted to flee before they were taken into custody and booked at Marin County Jail.
Officers conducted a search of the vehicle used by the suspects. Inside they found merchandise from stores throughout the northern and eastern suburbs of the San Francisco Bay area. The arrestees were allegedly stealing merchandise to sell online for profit. All three face open charges for organized retail theft.
Stephen L. Edwards, 34, of Eureka, faces additional charges for possession of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia. The two other suspects are Amanda A. Edwards, 46, of Eureka, and Said El Jamali, 33, of Mountain View.
Loss prevention employees at the Target store helped police investigate organized retail theft at the shopping center. In a prepared statement Novato police said. “Collaboration in securing critical evidence is essential for future prosecution of this case.”
