Amador County – Amador County Sheriff’s Department and Jackson Police Department were investigating two crash-and-grab burglaries and thefts that reportedly used a vehicle to crash into and gain access to two businesses.

ACSO Undersheriff Jim Wegner released details last week: At 12:34 a.m. on Feb. 14, Jackson Police responded to an alarm at Sears Roebuck on Highway 49 in Jackson. ACSO deputies responded to assist.

The JPD “officer on the scene determined that a white vehicle had been used to force entry into the business by backing through the doors. Upon entry, unknown suspects reportedly stole four televisions, two vacuums, and miscellaneous tools.”

At 12:53 a.m., Sheriff’s Deputies responded to an alarm at Lowes Home Improvement Store on Industry Boulevard in Martell. “Deputies found that entry to the building had been accomplished by a vehicle being driven through the front doors near the lumber entrance. No suspects or suspect vehicle was located.”

Surveillance video from Lowes showed that at 12:50 a.m., “a white pickup truck approached and then backed into and through the entrance doors. Two suspects exited the vehicle and entered the store. In less than 50 seconds, the suspects stole two Dyson vacuums and three Dewalt tool sets.”

The deputies “recognized an emblem which was visible on the door of the suspect vehicle to be consistent with those on vehicles operated by the Volcano Telephone Company.” ACSO deputies responded to Volcano Telephone on Highway 88 in Pine Grove “to determine if the suspect vehicle was present or if they also had been the victim of a crime.” Volcano Telephone later confirmed “one of their vehicles had been stolen earlier that evening.”

Deputies examined video surveillance from Volcano Telephone and area businesses. At about 10:53 p.m., “two suspects parked a sedan at a nearby business. The suspects then walked behind several stores before accessing Volcano Telephone Company vehicle parking” area, “wherein they subsequently stole a pickup truck.”

The stolen truck was located at 6:30 a.m. on a dirt road off Highway 49, near Tonzi Road. The truck had “significant rear end damage” and was processed for evidence.

Investigators further reviewed Lowes video, which “showed two persons of interest that were at Lowes approximately five hours prior to the burglary. The video captured the subjects manipulating the specific items which were subsequently stolen. Further review of the video identified the vehicle that was driven by the people of interest.” The vehicle appeared to be the same sedan observed in Pine Grove surveillance video.

Anyone with information about the crimes, suspects or vehicles is asked to call Detective Tom Rayzor at (209)223-6507 or the Secret Witness Program at (209)223-4900.

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.