4 teenage boys and girls were arrested in a shoplifting incident at a Ralphs market in Costa Mesa that turned violent on Tuesday.  Police describe the teenagers as being “uncooperative and hostile.”

When the first police officer arrived to the location, he observed a teenage boy and girl fighting with the Ralphs security employee near a cash register.  The police officer separated the girl and put her in handcuffs away from the group.  As he was doing so, the other teenage girl crept up behind the officer and attempted to take his gun out of his holster.

Just by chance, an off-duty sheriff’s deputy happened to be shopping in the store and assisted the police officer by restraining this second teenage girl.  Another male suspect punched the police officer in the face and then the whole thing turned into a wrestling match.  Eventually the police officer’s won and everyone was arrested.

All of the melee was caused when the teenagers allegedly tried to steal liquor from the market.

What started off as simple petty theft charges now leave these teens facing assault and battery on a police officer and resisting arrest charges, in addition to the petty theft.

Do not make the same mistake these teens did and try to either resist arrest or make any statements to security personnel or law enforcement.  Many times people believe they can “talk their way out of it” and we are still waiting to see an instance when that has worked.  In addition, any statements that you make when trying to talk your way out of an arrest can, and will, be used against you during your court case.

Petty theft charges are charges that can manageable.  Oftentimes, depending on whether or not there are prior convictions, attorney Ross Erlich can get the charges reduced, dropped or dismissed after a civil compromise.  There also might be the option of a deferred sentence whereby a plea is taken, the defendant takes and completes some theft classes, and comes back to get the charges dismissed.

Remember, petty theft is a misdemeanor here in Los Angeles and is punishable by a maximum of up to 6 months in jail, a $1,000 fine or both.

If you or someone you know has been arrested for petty theft in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, or anywhere within Los Angeles County, contact attorney Ross Erlich 24/7 for a free case consultation.