Redlands Police Arrest Burglary Suspect, Investigate Fraud Case

REDLANDS, Calif. — Redlands police arrested a burglary suspect this week, investigated a large-scale fraud case, and assisted in a pursuit involving a stolen vehicle, according to the department’s latest crime update.

A 29-year-old Redlands man was taken into custody Tuesday, March 11, in connection with a commercial burglary at JD Fuel, 941 California St., last month. Police had been searching for the suspect for two weeks before locating him in a transient encampment near West Lugonia Avenue and the 210 Freeway.

In another case, officers launched a fraud investigation Thursday, March 6, after a 74-year-old woman reported handing over $21,000 to a man who claimed to have a federal court order. The woman withdrew the cash and met the suspect in a grocery store parking lot, where he took the money and drove away in a light blue Tesla, promising to return with a cashier’s check. Police have not announced any arrests in the case.

Officers also arrested a driver on suspicion of DUI on Sunday, March 9, after the motorist crashed into a parked car near East Brockton Avenue and Kensington Drive. No injuries were reported.

Later that night, Redlands police assisted San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies from the Yucaipa Station in a pursuit that entered the city shortly after midnight. The chase ended when officers used a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver to stop the vehicle at Ford Street and Parkford Drive. The driver, a 15-year-old, was taken into custody, while two passengers fled and were not found.

The vehicle, a Kia Soul, had been reported stolen in Redlands earlier that night but had not yet been entered into the system. According to police, the teen had previously been arrested by Redlands officers after a separate pursuit in a stolen car.

The Redlands Police Department encourages residents to report crime or suspicious activity by calling (909) 798-7681 ext. 1 or using the City of Redlands 311 mobile app.