Sonora, CA…Monday evening the Sonora Police Department arrested 26-year-old Charles P. Bryant of Modesto and 24-year-old Zalena R. Herrera of Modesto for multiple charges, including possession of stolen property, conspiracy to commit a felony, and organized retail theft with intent to sell.

Just after 8:30 pm on March 29, 2021, officers were called to Lowe’s regarding a female in the store who had been previously trespassed from that location. Upon officers’ arrival, the female, later identified as Zalena Herrera, fled through the rear of the business setting off the alarm. Herrera did not turn up during a search of the area, but officers remained close by to monitor for related activity.

Approximately one hour after the initial call, a silver Honda Civic was seen circling the Lowe’s parking lot. Officers knew Herrera was associated with a silver Civic and initiated a traffic stop on it as it left the parking lot. The male driver, later identified as Charles Bryant, leg bailed from the vehicle leaving Herrera in the passenger seat.

Several hundred dollars worth of stolen merchandise from various retailers was located in the vehicle, along with drug paraphernalia. Herrera was arrested, and a search continued for Bryant, who was later spotted on foot in the area of Mono Way near Greenley Road. Bryant ran when the officer attempted contact but was taken into custody after a short chase. Bryant was arrested for possession of stolen property, resisting arrest, conspiracy to commit a felony, and a felony warrant out of Stanislaus County for vehicle theft.

Through their investigation, officers determined that Herrera and Bryant were stealing merchandise with the intent to sell.

Charles Bryant and Zalena Herrera were both booked were booked at the Tuolumne County Jail for possession of stolen property, conspiracy to commit a crime, shoplifting, possession of drug paraphernalia, obstructing an officer, organized retail theft, and violating the terms of their probation. Herrera was also booked for trespassing.

Aspects of this investigation are ongoing and local retailers who believe to have been targeted by this pair are urged to call law enforcement.

Source = Sonora Police Department