UPDATE: San Luis Obispo police are urgently seeking public assistance to identify a bungling thief who attempted to burglarize a local bicycle store early this morning. At approximately 4 a.m. on Saturday, October 21, 2023, the suspect crashed a stolen truck into Cambria Bike Outfitters on Monterey Street, but his plan quickly unraveled when the vehicle broke down.
Authorities report that the thief had stolen the truck from Santa Maria just a day earlier. After smashing through the store window, he attempted to escape but was thwarted when the damaged truck failed to start. In an unusual twist, an ambulance passed by during his getaway attempt, adding to the chaos.
Desperate, the suspect unloaded one of the bicycles from the truck bed and fled the scene on foot. Officers later recovered the abandoned bike just several blocks away. Surveillance footage captured the thief wearing gloves, a dark jacket, a beanie-style hat, and a headlamp, providing crucial details for the ongoing investigation.
Police are urging anyone with information about the suspect or the incident to contact Officer Kuhn at (805) 594-8037 or reach out to Crime Stoppers at (805) 549-7867 to provide information anonymously.
This incident underscores the increasing challenges law enforcement faces in managing property crime in the area. Local business owners and residents are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
As the investigation unfolds, police are expected to increase patrols in the vicinity to deter further criminal activity. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
