LIVE OAK – A manhunt is underway for a suspect who broke into three Live Oak grocery markets. They are all located within half a mile of each other along Highway 99.
“My dad got a call at 3 or 4 a.m. that someone had broken in,” said Claudia Arellano, manager of La Mexicana Market and daughter of the owner.
La Mexicana Market, El Ranchito Market and El Bajio Market all received similar calls Thursday morning. They had been robbed within 30 minutes early Thursday morning.
Approximately $84,000 was reported stolen between the three markets, according to the Sutter County Sheriff’s Office.
“Three men broke in with a crowbar, broke the window and got in. The driver remained in the car. Those three men had no idea where they were going,” said Ana Alvarado of El Ranchito Market. , it seemed like he knew where he was going.” Alvarado is the owner’s daughter.
“I think they were probably customers here and were just watching what we were doing,” Arellano said.
La Mexicana and El Ranchito newspapers said the suspects appeared to be familiar with the area and what they were looking for. Safes were stolen at both markets, with tens of thousands of dollars in storage at El Ranchito.
“We’re staying here and doing everything we can to get through this. It’s been really, really hard. Like I said, we’ve been here for 30 years in June. But nothing like this has ever happened.” Alvarado.
The front door of El Bajo Market was destroyed, but has since been replaced. However, a store representative said the suspects ultimately did not succeed in stealing anything, but did not want to speak on camera.
“We are a hard-working, close-knit family,” Alvarado said.
The market is asking for help from the community to rebuild.
“Even if it’s a messed up day, we know we have to keep going. You know what I mean. Even if you rob us, we gotta keep going.” Because no one is going to pay our bills or feed us,” he said. Arellano.
The Sheriff’s Office said this remains an active investigation. It is unclear how many people were involved in the robbery, and the motive is unknown.
