Police seek 2nd suspect in thrift store thefts
Yuma police are still searching for a second man suspected of stealing items from the donation storage area of a nonprofit thrift store on three occasions last month.
The thefts occurred over a two-day period between May 31 and June 1 at the Amberly’s Place Thrift Shop, located at 812 S. Avenue A.
The suspect, who has not been identified, was also caught on surveillance cameras removing various items that had been donated to the agency from its storage area, which is on the side of the building and enclosed by a locked fence.
One of the suspects, later identified as 22-year-old Jaime Rodriguez, was arrested on June 13 and has since been charged with one felony count of burglary and one misdemeanor count of theft.
Rodriguez is currently out of custody under the supervision of pre-trial services. According to Yuma police, he admitted to two of the burglaries.
According to Amberlys Place, the thieves stole well over $1,000 worth of merchandise.
Amberly’s Place is the only family advocacy center in Yuma with a crisis team to assist victims of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, and elder abuse.
The thrift store is one of the ways Amberly’s Place raises money to help abuse victims with expenses not covered by grants and other funding it receives.
The Yuma Police Department is encouraging anyone who can identify the suspect to please call Detective Dean at (928) 373-4759 or 78-CRIME (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous.