Costa Mesa Police Arrest Two Women In Organized Retail Theft

News Summary

Costa Mesa police apprehended two women believed to be part of an organized retail theft ring after a high-speed pursuit. The chase followed a theft at Lululemon, leading to the recovery of stolen merchandise valued over $20,000. Officers continue to search for two additional suspects. The incident underscores the escalating issue of organized retail theft nationwide.

Costa Mesa Police Arrest Two Women Involved in Organized Retail Theft Ring After High-Speed Pursuit

Costa Mesa police arrested two women on Saturday evening believed to be connected to a larger organized retail theft ring following a high-speed pursuit. The incident originated from a theft report at Lululemon, located in South Coast Plaza, around 7:45 p.m. The suspects were part of a group of four women who allegedly committed a grand theft.

Latasha Marie Brown, 36, from Clinton, Iowa, and Laporsha Holloway, 37, from Chicago, were apprehended after law enforcement identified their getaway vehicle shortly after the theft. The other two women involved in the incident fled on foot and are currently at large.

Upon receiving reports of the theft, officers swiftly responded to the scene and located the suspects’ vehicle. A pursuit ensued, but police called off the chase when the suspects entered the busy 55 Freeway. Assistance came from a helicopter deployed by the Huntington Beach Police Department and officers from the California Highway Patrol.

Shortly thereafter, the vehicle was found pulled over on State Route 241. During the stop, officers discovered stolen merchandise belonging to Lululemon, along with multiple garbage bags filled with clothing suspected to be stolen from other retail locations. The total estimated value of the recovered items exceeds $20,000.

Upon their arrest, Brown and Holloway were booked early Sunday on multiple charges including grand theft, evading police, and conspiracy to commit a crime. Authorities are continuing to search for the two female suspects who fled the scene on foot, believing that all four women are likely part of a broader organized retail theft operation that has targeted various stores.

The investigation is ongoing, with Costa Mesa police collaborating with other law enforcement agencies, including the California Highway Patrol’s Retail Theft Task Force. The police department has expressed appreciation for the teamwork and support provided by the Huntington Beach Police Department and CHP during the incident.

Organized retail theft has become an increasingly prevalent crime across the country, impacting businesses and consumers alike. In recent years, law enforcement agencies have intensified efforts to tackle such operations, recognizing their impact on local economies and public safety. The Costa Mesa incident highlights the challenges police face in dealing with organized retail crime and the importance of inter-agency cooperation to effectively address these issues.

As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward to assist in the effort to prevent further thefts and capture the remaining suspects.

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HERE Resources

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Two Arrested for Organized Retail Theft at Irvine Spectrum Mall

Additional Resources

• Los Angeles Times
• Google Search: Organized Retail Theft
• KTLA News
• Google Scholar: Retail Theft
• ABC7 News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Organized Crime
• Orange County Register
• Google News: South Coast Plaza Theft