A statewide crackdown on retail crimes resulted in the arrest of at least 117 people in connection with the theft of nearly $40,000 in merchandise, according to authorities.
The California Highway Patrol and several other police departments carried out the operation on Dec. 20, resulting in the arrests of 117 people and recovering $38,000 in stolen merchandise, according to a news release from Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Two firearms were also seized, along with three stolen vehicles, according to the release. The arrested suspects are expected to be charged with a range of crimes, from petty theft and grand theft to organized retail crime…