Modesto pair arrested in Visalia Ross thefts

VISALIA, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A man and woman from Modesto were arrested Friday afternoon after being caught with stolen items from Ross stores in Visalia, the Visalia Police Department announced.

Just before 4 p.m. Visalia Police responded to the Ross store on South Mooney Boulevard for a report of a retail theft in progress.

Responding officers reported finding two suspects, Juan Vargas Reyes and Monica Valencia Torres, outside the store with several stolen items. Investigators eventually determined the two from Modesto had also allegedly stolen merchandise from the Ross on North Dinuba Boulevard.

Police say the suspects were believed to have worked with a lookout positioned outside the stores, as a push-to-talk (PTT) radio was found with them, suggesting the thefts were organized.

Visalia Police report Reyes and Torres were ultimately booked on multiple charges, including grand theft, organized retail theft, conspiracy, and possession of burglary tools.