CARLSBAD, Calif. — The Carlsbad Police Department is proud to announce the successful apprehension of a suspect involved in a series of organized retail thefts from the Carlsbad Premium Outlets. Officer Puliafico and our Crime Suppression Team, led by Sergeant Jencen, played a pivotal role in this arrest through meticulous investigative work, collaboration with regional law enforcement agencies and advanced technology.
Over the course of several weeks, Officer Puliafico investigated multiple cases of grand theft at high-end retail stores within the Carlsbad Premium Outlets. The investigation began with two incidents in which the suspects used a distinctive “booster bag” to conceal stolen goods. Through a diligent review of multiple surveillance videos, Officer Puliafico identified that the identical booster bag was being used by multiple suspects during additional thefts.
Utilizing the License Plate Reader (LPR) data, Officer Puliafico identified a suspect vehicle that was linked to several unsolved grand theft cases in Carlsbad and Orange County. The vehicle’s frequent presence near the crime scenes, coupled with its use in additional thefts at the Carlsbad Premium Outlets, provided critical evidence linking the cases together.
The investigation further revealed that the suspect vehicle had a travel history consistent with individuals involved in organized criminal activity. With this information, Officer Puliafico coordinated with regional law enforcement agencies, obtained a search warrant, and conducted surveillance operations. This strategic use of these investigative techniques allowed officers to monitor the suspect’s movements, ultimately leading to his apprehension.
On August 16, 2024, Carlsbad Police officers, led by Officer Puliafico, conducted a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle, resulting in the arrest of 38-year-old Jose Miguel Gonzalez of Lake Elsinore. Gonzalez is suspected of orchestrating an organized retail theft crew responsible for over $30,000 in stolen goods from the Carlsbad Outlets alone. Gonzalez was booked into the Vista Detention Facility on seven counts of organized retail theft and criminal conspiracy.
This successful operation highlights the dedication and expertise of Carlsbad Police Department officers, who utilized a combination of traditional investigative techniques, advanced technology, and inter-agency collaboration to solve a complex case. The case serves as a testament to the department’s commitment to addressing national and regional crime trends that impact our community.
For more information
Jason Arnotti, Police Lieutenant, jason.arnotti@carlsbadca.gov
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