Two Merced men were arrested after a theft incident at JC Penney, police say.
On February 13, 2020, two men entered JC Penney and fled the store after grabbing over $2,400 in merchandise. As the men were leaving, they knocked down a Loss Prevention Officer who was attempting to stop them.
The pair fled in a brown Ford Ranger and were stopped by LBPD on SR 152, just east of the City. The vehicle driven by the men has been used in a number of thefts from JC Penney stores in the Modesto and Merced areas.
Adrian Mendoza, 37 and Charles Kidwiler, 30 both of Merced were arrested in connection with the theft. Mendoza was charged with robbery, commercial burglary, possession of stolen property and conspiracy.
Kidwiler was charged with commercial burglary, possession of stolen property and conspiracy. Additional charges are expected.
