Police credit off-site security for Walgreens burglary arrests

Four young men from Compton now face charges in Tulare County. Visalia Police say they broke into a Walgreens using a crowbar early Monday morning.

The store, on the corner of Riggin and Demaree, was closed at the time. Once inside, police say they also used the tool to try and break into the store's pharmacy.

That did not work out, so they drove away. Police believe they were about to get on the freeway when they were caught.

"One officer was in the area of Akers and Mineral King (and) had the broadcast of the suspect vehicle involved in this incident, located the vehicle, stopped it, and all four were taken into custody without incident," said Visalia Police Sgt. Damon Maurice.

The suspects are Ladarrios Collier, Cordell Armstrong, Denzel Witherspoon, and Roderick Abney.

Police say they found evidence in the car linking them to the burglary, and Walgreens' surveillance video also helped identify them. Police credit the store's security measures for a quick response.

"There was actually off-site security for Walgreens that was monitoring live video from inside the store that was notified of the break-in and notified us," Sgt. Maurice said.

Visalia Police was also notified that Fresno Police are investigating a similar burglary case, and are working to determine if the Visalia suspects may be responsible.

All four suspects are being held on $35,000 bail. Their next court date has not been set yet.