Atwater store owner holds suspected thieves at gunpoint for police

An Atwater store owner, whose business has been targeted frequently by shoplifters, held four suspected thieves at gunpoint Wednesday until police arrived to make the arrests.

Atwater police responded at 7:05 p.m. to Envy Fine Clothing on Bell Lane.

“Upon arrival, officers found that the owner did have subjects detained and her store security was physically restraining another suspect,” police Chief Samuel Joseph said. “A total of four suspects ended up being detained in connection to the case.”

Store staff members said one of the suspects tried to create a diversion while the others attempted to make off with several items of clothing, police said.

“A confrontation occurred and the theft suspects were detained,” Joseph said. “While searching the suspects’ getaway vehicle, numerous stolen items from Marshalls, rue21, Big 5, Tilly’s, Styles For Less, and other businesses were located.”

The total value of the stolen property was close to $2,000, police said.

Officers arrested Viola Hilliard, 25, Aisha Booth, 20, Akeria Dews, 24, and Denisha Hollins, age unavailable. All four are from Fresno. They were booked into the Merced County Jail on suspicion of robbery, burglary and conspiracy.

“Great job by the store owners,” Joseph said. “During the holidays, these types of thieves are more present.”

Police said the store owner’s gun was licensed.

Jail mugshots on the four suspected thieves were not immediately available Thursday.

Envy Fine Clothing has been targeted numerous times in recent years by shoplifters. A 25-year-old man was arrested in November after police said they caught him stealing from the store. Police also released images in October of two men who knocked a store employee to the ground after they ran off with more than $2,000 in designer jeans.

This story was originally published December 15, 2016 at 3:54 PM with the headline "Atwater store owner holds suspected thieves at gunpoint for police."