Commercial burglary suspects arrested by Livingston police

Four men were arrested Wednesday on suspicion of stealing more than $1,000 in toys from a Livingston store, police said.

The suspects were identified by Livingston police as Oracio Alvarez Jacinto, 36; Alfonso Joseph Leal IV, 19; Steven Anthony Rayas, 18; and Santino Nico Villa, 20. All the suspects are Fresno residents, according to police.

The incident happened around noon, after Livingston police were conducting a security check at the Quick Stop gas station at 401 Joseph Gallo Drive and were flagged down by a citizen.

The citizen told the officer several men had just driven off after stealing items from the business. The suspects drove away in a blue Ford Taurus, traveling south on Highway 99.

Police caught up with the vehicle and stopped it in the Atwater area. California Highway Patrol officers assisted with the stop and helped recover the stolen toys.

Based on video footage from a security camera and statements from suspects and witnesses, police believe the men backed the Taurus up to the business and opened the trunk. Two of the men went into the business and took the items without paying. Meanwhile, a third suspect held the door open for the men. The suspects allegedly threw the stolen items into the trunk of the car and fled.

Police said a fifth person was inside the car when it was pulled over by law enforcement. That person, however, was released after law enforcement determined he did not play a role in the burglary.

The four men were booked at Merced County jail on suspicion of commercial burglary. In addition, Jacinto is on parole, having served time for murder, according to police. Of the suspects, only Leal and Jacinto remained in custody as of Wednesday evening.

This story was originally published December 24, 2014 at 10:51 PM with the headline "Commercial burglary suspects arrested by Livingston police."