Police Apprehend Suspect in Calexico Dollar Tree Burglary; The Candy Bandit

Calexico CA - In a swift response to a reported commercial burglary, officers from the Calexico Police Department successfully apprehended a suspect believed to be responsible for the incident. The burglary occurred at a Dollar Tree store, where a witness observed an individual shattering a glass window to gain entry into the establishment. Upon entering, the suspect made an attempt to abscond with a cash register.

Dubbed the '#SmashAndGrabBandit', the suspect was swiftly located by law enforcement officers conducting a systematic search of the area. Identified as 19-year-old Jesus Patino, the individual was promptly taken into custody on charges of commercial burglary and vandalism.

Photos shared by the Calexico Police Department on social media revealed that the perpetrator had pilfered not only cash from the register but also candy such as Hershey chocolate bars, from the store, in a post by one Instagram user he states “Bro really broke into a dollar tree to steal candy” alongside a picture of the thief. The department wasted no time in mobilizing a search effort, leading to the discovery of Patino hiding within a nearby dumpster shortly after the incident.