On the afternoon of Monday, May 8th, a man allegedly stole a Camaro from the Auto Nation Valencia Dealership. After receiving the report of a stolen vehicle, Santa Clarita Sheriff Station deputies formed a containment area in Canyon Country which eventually led to the suspect’s arrest. Since Los Angeles is still under strict orders to arrest, cite, and release non-violent offenders, the suspect was released from custody shortly after he was arrested and booked.

Ten minutes later he stole another car.

Deputies received the second report of a suspect stealing a vehicle, so they set up the containment area in Canyon Country to catch him – and they did. The suspect was re-arrested for GTA and taken into custody. Right now it is unknown whether or not the suspect was released after his second arrest.

This incident comes only a few weeks after another suspect was arrested, cited, and released three separate times in the same day by the Glendora Police. The individual was first arrested for stealing a car, then for stealing things out of people’s yards in broad daylight, and then again for GTA.

The arrest, cite, and release orders come from a special order during the pandemic that instructs officers to arrest, cite, and release non-violent offenders. Previously, non-violent offenders were sometimes held in custody and sometimes not. It all depended on the severity of their crimes.

These incidents are likely to increase as time goes on and the state government further eliminates bail. When Prop 47 was passed a few years ago, a number of common felonies were reduced to misdemeanors, meaning these suspects didn’t need to spend time in custody after their arrest. However, it would seem that keeping suspects out of custody serves to further embolden them to commit crimes. The incident in Valencia was not the first time a suspect was arrested, cited, and released only to commit additional crimes that same day. It isn’t going to be the last time it happens either.

Robin Sandoval

Robin Sandoval

Robin Sandoval is a California Licensed Bail Bondsman and owner of SCV Bail Bonds. Robin writes blogs and articles to help increase community awareness of the bail industry. If you have questions or want to suggest a topic, email robin@scvbailbonds.com, visit www.scvbailbonds.com or call 661-299-2245.
Robin Sandoval
Robin Sandoval
Robin Sandoval

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