Journalism
Late last evening, at 7 p.m., officers responded to the Target store located on Nile Boulevard. There had been reports of three female customers threatening employees with firearms. Prior to the incident the suspects had been under suspicion by employees.
The four responding officers learned the suspects were seen shoplifting at the store. The employees in question attempted to stop them before they left. Using a handgun, one of the assailants verbally threatened the employees, as another kicked at employees.
Using this as a chance to flee, the suspects ran outside. They left in an SUV, driven by a fourth suspect, male. Employees documented the late-model car’s license plate number, and officers later learned it was registered to Lisa Belkin.
Belkin’s home was visited by police and occupied by Kevin Goldberg. Police alerted Goldberg to the incident, discovering two suspects in the home. They thought it was curious, but questioned him anyway.
The three demanded officers leave. Goldberg revealed what was later found to be a Sig Sauer handgun. Officers apprehended one of the females, identified as Belkin, after she revealed a second handgun.
Upon searching, officers later found around sixty articles of stolen clothing on the premises, several firearms, and many other goods, including electronic and computer equipment that is considered to be stolen.
Also found in the house were three kilos of cocaine, 4.6 kilos of methamphetamine, and forty kilos of marijuana. The value of the total sum of drugs is not yet known, but it is believed to be just under $550,000.
The suspects were later identified as Lisa Belkin, 26, Gertrudis Cano, 30, Jenifer Wade, 28, and Kevin Goldberg, 33. All reside in various parts of California. Goldberg is a member of California Highway Patrol.
The charges are as follows: Suspicion of attempted homicide, aggravated assault, assault on a peace officer, resisting arrest, felony theft, burglary, and felony drug possession with intent to distribute.
Law enforcement believes they have been a burglary ring that has been in operation for six months. Moreover, they believe the suspects to be linked to Mexico’s Sinaloa Drug Cartel, a powerful Mexican trafficking organization.
Though documentation is in hand that links the suspects to the Mexican trafficking ring, it is important not to jump to conclusions. Though they may be guilty of recent crimes, an investigation is still pending on all fronts.
At this time, the drugs found in Belkin’s home classify the crime as the biggest drug bust in the town’s history. Law enforcement urges citizens to be aware of how dangerous links to the Mexican cartel can be.
Though these suspects are innocent until proven guilty, it is important for citizens to be alert and on guard when shopping and in other public places in order to avoid being victims. Some suggest the suspect were treated as victims.
Wade accused police of brutality. Wade accused police of mistreating her and her three cohorts. Police stated handguns were present and Wade and the other suspects acted violently. As such, they handled the situation professionally and by the book.
When asked officially, they said based on the crimes committed they were no going to handle the suspects with “velvet gloves.” Whether or not police brutality took place, it is important citizens remain aware of current events and protect themselves.
