$145K Up In Smoke After Marijuana Courier Theft

SANTA ANA, CA — Santa Ana police released gas station surveillance video of the brazen theft of $145,000 in cash from marijuana businesses courier.

The driver, who had collected funds from multiple marijuana businesses, stopped at a Mobil gas station at 1300 block of E. Dyer Road at 7:15 p.m. Wednesday. (See video of the brazen theft, below).

He was refueling his van, Santa Ana police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna said. The van was locked when he left it.

After the driver hurried into the store to pay for the gas, the thieves—who presumably were following the courier—rolled up alongside the white van, smashed a window, and grabbed the satchel full of cash, Bertagna said. They then fled the scene.

The suspects waited until the courier left the van unattended before going for the cash, Bertagna said.

The thieves were in a newer model white Nissan Pathfinder, and surveillance got a clear view of the license plate.

The passenger who jumped out to grab the cash was described as a man with a medium complexion who is 25 to 35 years old and wore a red jacket with a white hooded jacket underneath and blue gloves.

Anyone with information helpful to investigators was asked to call detectives at 714-245-8404 or 714-245-8529.

Orange County Crime Stoppers will accept anonymous tips at 855-TIP-OCCS.