Update: Theft suspect arrested thanks to help from public
-Update posted Feb. 20-
Detectives identified suspect as 23-year-old Georgian Lovesmith, who is on parole out of San Diego
– The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested a suspect connected to a grocery store theft in Nipomo after receiving assistance from the public.
On Feb. 12, detectives conducted a traffic stop on Highway 101 and arrested a suspect wanted in connection with a theft that occurred earlier in the month at the Vons grocery store in Nipomo.
Deputies first responded Feb. 2 to a report of a theft at the store, where a suspect allegedly stole approximately $4,000 worth of alcohol over the course of about one hour. During the incident, the suspect removed individual bottles from their boxes and concealed them under his clothing and inside a backpack before leaving the store. The suspect reportedly returned to the store multiple times during the theft.
During the investigation, detectives identified the suspect as 23-year-old Georgian Lovesmith, who is on parole out of San Diego. The sheriff’s office requested the public’s help in identifying the suspect and received numerous tips, including one that provided detectives with identification and information.
As a result of the investigation, Lovesmith was arrested and booked into custody on charges of burglary, grand theft, possession of stolen property, and a parole hold. Detectives recovered more than $10,000 worth of stolen items during the investigation.
The sheriff’s office thanked the community for its assistance and cooperation, which officials said played a key role in the case.
Original article posted Feb. 12:
– The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect connected to a theft at a local Vons grocery store.
On Feb. 2, sheriff’s deputies investigated a theft at the Vons grocery store in Nipomo in which the suspect allegedly stole approximately $4,000 worth of alcohol over the course of about one hour. During the incident, the suspect removed individual bottles from their boxes and concealed them under his clothing and inside a backpack before leaving the store. The suspect returned to the store multiple times during the theft.
No suspect vehicle has been identified. The suspect was wearing a distinctive black hooded jacket or sweater with a large white insignia on the back.
Anyone who can identify the suspect, or who may have information related to similar incidents, is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at (805) 781-4500. Anyone with information can also contact Crime Stoppers at (805) 549-7867 or online at www.slotips.org.
