On September 22, 2008, Santa Paula Police Officers, acting on an anonymous tip, arrested Yanira Camargo, age 22, and Gerardo Rodriguez, age 24, both of Fillmore, on suspicions of theft and child endangerment.

The arrests stemmed from an incident that occurred on September 14, 2008 at the Kohls Department Store in Ventura. During that incident, a store security officer observed Rodriguez and Camargo stealing items from the store. As the guard attempted to stop them, they fled on foot, leaving their 4-year-old daughter rolling in a cart through the parking lot, nearly being struck by a vehicle.

The Ventura Police Department issued probable cause wants for Camargo and Rodriguez. On September 22, 2008, an anonymous citizen called the police to report a sighting of Camargo and Rodriguez at the “Rite Aid” in Santa Paula. Santa Paula Police Officers responded to the area and attempted to locate the subjects. As officers checked the 200 block of S. Palm Avenue, they observed Camargo and Rodriguez. Rodriquez fled on foot and hid in a nearby bush. A pursuing officer apprehended him. Both subjects had outstanding arrest warrants from an unrelated incident. Camargo and Rodriguez were arrested and lodged at the Ventura County Jail pending a court appearance.