Manteca Man Arrested for Burglarizing a Valley Springs Business

   (Valley Springs, CA) On 05/15/12 at approx. 2:52 AM, Calaveras Sheriff's Deputies were dispatched to a commercial alarm sounding at the Smoke Shop, a Valley Springs business located at 200 Highway 12. Upon arrival the deputies noticed a shattered front door to a vacant office space next door to The Smoke Shop.

   The deputies entered the vacant office and while inside noticed that a ceiling tile had been removed from the ceiling. They also heard noises through the open hole in the ceiling coming from the adjoining business (The Smoke Shop). The deputies surrounded the office complex, identified themselves and ordered the suspect, later identified as Steven Russell Carson (21) of Manteca, to surrender. A deputy standing outside The Smoke Shop heard loud noises coming from the store, and then suddenly saw Mr. Carson appear inside the US Post Office that adjoined The Smoke Shop. Mr. Carson was immediately taken into custody.

   During the investigation Sheriff's Detectives learned that Mr. Carson forced entry through the vacant office, climbed into and crawled through the ceiling over The Smoke Shop. He then dropped to the floor where he attempted to disable the alarm system. When he discovered that the deputies arrived he panicked and used a hammer to break a hole through the wall into the post office in an attempt to escape. It appeared that Mr. Carson attempted to steal cigarettes. During the search of the scene deputies found a baggie containing suspected methamphetamine lying on the ground that allegedly belonged to Mr. Carson. This is the second time that the vacant office space had been broken into with the possible purpose being to gain entry into The Smoke Shop.

   Mr. Carson was booked into the Calaveras County Jail on the charges of burglary, vandalism, possession of a controlled substance, injury to power lines, obstructing an officer, and possession of burglary tools. It was discovered that at the time of his arrest Mr. Carson was out on bail for similar crimes in Stanislaus County.

   Investigators are looking into the possibility that others may be involved in this crime. Sheriff's Detectives are continuing with their investigation. If anyone should have information on this incident or any other burglaries in the area they ask that you call the Calaveras Sheriff's Office's Tip Line at (209) 754-6030.