UPDATE: San Luis Obispo police are urgently seeking the public’s help to identify a thief who attempted a bicycle store heist early Saturday morning. The incident took place at approximately 4 a.m. at Cambria Bike Outfitters on Monterey Street, where the suspect’s plans unraveled spectacularly due to his stolen getaway vehicle breaking down.
According to authorities, the thief had stolen a truck from Santa Maria prior to the attempted burglary. He crashed the vehicle through a window of the bike shop to gain entry. However, when he tried to escape, the damaged truck failed to start, leaving him in a precarious situation. In an unexpected twist, an ambulance passed by just as he was attempting to flee.
Video surveillance footage captured the suspect wearing a dark jacket, a beanie hat, gloves, and a headlamp. He managed to unload a bicycle from the truck bed and rode away on it, abandoning the truck in the process. Officers later discovered the bike left several blocks from the scene, intensifying the urgency of the investigation.
San Luis Obispo Police are appealing to anyone with information regarding the suspect or the incident to contact Officer Kuhn at 594-8037 or to reach out anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 549-7867.
This bizarre attempt at theft highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in curbing crime in the area. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are determined to catch the suspect before he strikes again. The community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops. The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated; your help could lead to a swift resolution.
