REDDING, Calif. — A joint operation by the Redding Police Department (RPD), Neighborhood Police Unit, Bike Team, and Shasta County Probation led to the arrest of 31 individuals on Wednesday, targeting retail theft and narcotics offenses across 10 stores in Redding. Among the arrested was 31-year-old Joshua Powell, who was taken into custody for the second time in two days.
Powell had been released from Shasta County Jail the day before the operation, following an injury linked to excessive narcotics use. During his arrest on Wednesday, Powell’s residence was found in deplorable conditions, with seven children placed into protective custody due to unsafe living conditions, including animal feces and dirty diapers.
Other significant arrests during the operation included 26-year-old Joseph Pimental, who attempted to steal $750 worth of merchandise from Kohl’s, and 54-year-old Jenna Glover, who was caught concealing $650 worth of stolen items. Also arrested was 39-year-old Stephanie Erkelens, who fled from Dick’s Sporting Goods with an unpaid 49ers jersey but was quickly apprehended by police.
The 31 arrests were part of a broader initiative to address theft, narcotics crimes, and other illegal activities in Redding, with several individuals charged with theft, fraud, and narcotics-related offenses.
