Two men from Richmond, California, Raul Santino Lopez and Agustin Jesus Vega, have been slapped with felony charges after they allegedly went on a daylight theft spree in Santa Monica, targeting unsuspecting drivers. According to the Santa Monica Police Department, the pair is accused of hitting multiple gas stations and stealing items right out of vehicles.

The crime wave allegedly unfolded on April 24, when a dark Nissan Altima with three passengers, including Lopez and Vega, pulled up to a Chevron on Santa Monica Boulevard. The suspects are reported to have quickly snatched a purse from an open car door. Minutes later, they are said to have struck again, this time at a Sinclair on Pico Boulevard, where they boldly took another purse. They capped off their spree by breaking a car window at a Shell station and grabbing a laptop among other items.

With assistance from the Hawthorne Police Department, the duo was tracked down and arrested. Officials state that several hundred dollars and most of the stolen goods were recovered. The lack of a significant arrest history in California for either suspect did not prevent the LA County District Attorney's office from filing felony charges on April 26 for burglary and grand theft.

Lopez and Vega now face the possibility of serious jail time. The Santa Monica Police Department has urged anyone with information about the incidents or the individuals to reach out. As Lopez and Vega prepare to contend with the legal system, the community is quickly trying to piece back a sense of security, shattered as easily as the window from which a thief can swiftly take more than just a physical possession.

Anyone looking to provide tips can contact Detective Hector Tavera or the Watch Commander, details of which are available in the press release. Lieutenant Erika Aklufi, who provided the media contact, aims to ensure that justice is served and further thefts are prevented.s