From Sandy Louey:
The Placer County Sheriff's Department has arrested an 18-year-old vacuum cleaner salesman for allegedly stealing items from an unlocked car in north Auburn.
Juan Pablo Garcia (photo left) of Sacramento was arrested Tuesday evening on suspicion of grand theft, said Dena Erwin, spokeswoman for the Placer County Sheriff's Department in a press release.
Garcia was part of a large group of out-of-town youth who were transported to the Auburn area and dropped off in several neighborhoods to sell Kirby vacuums and carpet cleaning services, she said.
After knocking on a door at a home on Jeremiah Drive, Garcia told deputies that he noticed a car with an open window and an unlocked door, Erwin said. Garcia took a wallet and cell phone from the car, Erwin said.
The car's owner, who was visiting the home, saw Garcia take the items and gave chase, she said.
Deputies who responded were unable to find Garcia. A short time later, a deputy pulled over a van and found a passenger matching Garcia's description, Erwin said.
The victim, whose wallet was recovered, identified Garcia as the suspect, Erwin said.
Garcia was released from the Placer County jail Wednesday afternoon after posting $5,000 bail, records show.
The Sheriff's Department, which has seen an increase in thefts from unlocked vehicles, is reminding residents to lock their vehicles and remove valuables from their cars, Erwin said.
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