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Deputies arrested a suspect who escaped with thousands of dollars worth of merchandise from a Target store in Orange County.

Authorities responded to a theft in progress at a Target in San Clemente where a suspect was seen taking large amounts of merchandise on May 27.

The suspect was spotted by deputies and taken into custody at the scene. 

During the arrest, authorities discovered the suspect was driving a stolen car. Inside the vehicle, around $3,000 worth of stolen merchandise was found, along with drugs and burglary tools.

  • A theft suspect was found with a large amount of stolen Nintendo Switch controllers, video games and accessories from a Target store in San Clemente. (Orange County Sheriff's Department)
  • The suspect was found with a stolen car and around $3,000 woorth of stolen video game accessories that were taken from a Target store in San Clemente on May 27, 2024. (Orange County Sheriff's Department)
  • Burglary tools and illegal narcotics were found inside the suspect's stolen vehicle on May 27, 2024. (Orange County Sheriff's Department)

Photos from the arrest show a large amount of stolen Nintendo Switch controllers, video games and accessories. 

The suspect’s identity was not released as the case remains under investigation.

The theft follows a recent trend of similar burglaries focusing on retail stores including a massive LEGO toy theft bust in Long Beach, a couple targeting TJX stores, $1.5 million jewelry store heists and a trio arrested for targeting Home Depot stores.