Wallet Thieves Apprehended In South OC Near Irvine Spectrum

IRVINE, CA — Two Los Angeles residents and Colombian nationals were arrested Thursday after a wallet distraction theft was reported in Irvine, the Irvine Police Department said.

The theft was originally reported at a Trader Joe's in Woodbury, police said. When officers learned the victim's cards were being used at the Spectrum Center, patrol officers at the Spectrum sprung into action.

Officers quickly found two suspects walking away from the mall into the parking lot with shopping bags. During the investigation, officers found the victim's stolen credit cards and wallet. A cell phone wrapped in aluminum foil was also found.

The suspects were identified as Jesus Alberto Ramirez Mendoza, 26, of Granada Hills, and Luz Adriana Gomez Garcia, 32, of Los Angeles. They are both Colombian nationals.

Both were arrested and booked at Orange County Jail on multiple charges, including burglary.

No further information was immediately available.