Full Notification

On May 13, 2025, the Simi Valley Police Department began investigating a Grand Theft that occurred outside a liquor store in the 2500 block of Sycamore Drive.

The incident took place after the store owner returned from a supply trip to a San Fernando Valley wholesaler and briefly left two vehicles unsecured behind the business.  Surveillance footage captured two suspects stealing boxes of cigarettes from both vehicles.  The suspects fled the scene in a gray Mitsubishi SUV without license plates.  Approximately $10,000 worth of cigarettes were stolen. 

Through diligent investigative work, SVPD detectives were able to retrieve the vehicle’s license plate before it was removed to commit the crime.  Working in partnership with the California Highway Patrol, the suspect vehicle was tracked using law enforcement license plate recognition systems.  Investigators confirmed the SUV was a rental from Avis and linked to a Sacramento resident.

By reviewing surveillance video, analyzing social media activity, and utilizing LPR data, detectives identified 24-year-old Sacramento resident Jaedan Gabriel Barnes as a suspect.  Barnes was seen wearing clothing that matched what was observed in the surveillance footage from the crime scene.

With assistance from the California Highway Patrol’s Sacramento and Ventura County Auto Theft Task Forces (SacCATT and VenCatt), the suspect vehicle was located at a residence in Sacramento. Surveillance operations confirmed Barnes’ involvement.

On May 22, 2025, SVPD detectives, with support from CHP and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, served a search warrant in the 1300 block of Shadowglen Road in Sacramento.  Barnes was located and arrested.  Evidence recovered at the scene further linked him to the crime.

Detectives are seeking charges against Barnes for vehicle burglary, grand theft, and conspiracy. The investigation is ongoing, and additional suspects are still being identified.