Authorities arrest 3 suspects in Patterson marijuana grow robbery, 9 still at large
PATTERSON, Calif December 31 2019 Deputies arrested three armed suspects early Sunday morning and are searching for as many as nine more after a robbery at a legal marijuana grow business in Patterson, according to the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department.
Sgt. Joshua Clayton told FOX40 that surveillance cameras spotted 12 suspects with masks, rifles and handguns breaking into the business located on Fig Avenue near Ash Avenue, causing the security guard to call 911 around 1:30 a.m.
The sheriff’s office arrived 30 minutes later and set up a perimeter outside the business.
Then, a swat team rammed through the front gate to confront the suspects who drove and ran away.
Clayton said three armed suspects have been arrested and deputies recovered two AK-47s, an AR-15 and three handguns from the suspects. No shots were fired and no injuries were reported.
The remaining nine suspects escaped leaving a trail of marijuana behind, according to Clayton. Officials also towed two vehicles that were connected to the crime.
Clayton said there was an attempted burglary at the same business on Dec. 20 where the security guard was assaulted, but the burglars didn’t make it inside the business grounds.
The owner of the legal marijuana grow business said he believes Sunday’s suspects were the same crew as the first burglary attempt.
Around the same time as the grow operation was hit, thieves broke into a marijuana dispensary in Crows Landing. The sheriff’s office says they’re investigating whether the two break-ins are related.
KTXL
