On January 4, 2017 at approximately 11:27 a.m., Citrus Heights Police Officers responded to the 6600 block of Auburn Boulevard regarding a person stealing packages from the front porch of a nearby residence. Video surveillance showed a white adult male concealing two packages into a red bag he was carrying. The theft suspect left the scene prior to officer arrival and his identity was unknown at that time.

Citrus Heights Police Officers initiated an investigation into the theft and the identity of the suspect, including the use of community social media. Twenty-year-old Shawn Flemens of Sacramento was identified as the suspect and the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office issued a warrant for his arrest. A second suspect was also identified during the investigation as 25-year-old, David Whitley of Citrus Heights.

On January 21, 2017, Citrus Heights Police officer located Whitley during the execution of the arrest warrant. Flemens had fled prior to officer arrival, but was located approximately 30 minutes later during an area search. Both men were arrested for their warrants and transported to the Sacramento County Main Jail.

The Citrus Heights Police Department appreciates our community partnership and their interactive involvement in helping to solve crime. The video surveillance images provided by neighbors in the victim’s neighborhood were instrumental in allowing our officers to identify the suspects. With the continued reduction in cost of video surveillance equipment, CHPD appreciates all those residents who have invested in a home surveillance system. Our ability to identify and solve crime with the community’s assistance is greatly enhanced with this technology.