Snuffed Out: Suspects Jailed in Failed Claremont Smoke Shop Heist

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

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CLAREMONT - Rather than a cash crop of cigarettes, two men got a lump of coal in their stockings Christmas Day, jailed in connection with an attempted smoke shop burglary.

Officers discovered a grocery bag of cigarettes, two sets of oversized bolt cutters, pry bars, torches and butane tanks inside a Dodge Charger occupied by two men December 25.

Police stopped the Charger with paper plates around 4:40 a.m. after seeing it parked at Peppertree Square at Indian Hill Boulevard and Arrow Highway, Claremont Police said.

Polcie searched the Charger after discovering the driver was unlicensed, Claremont Police said.

A large torch in a black bag was discovered near a pillar at the front of Smokeology, 348 S. Indian Hill Blvd.

The suspects revealed they intended to burglarize Smokeology, but fled when the officers showed up, Claremont Police said.

The stolen cigarettes were taken in Chino.

Arrested were 20-year-old Joaquin Gonzalez, from Anaheim, and 31-year-old Cain Ramirez, from Pomona.

Both men were booked on suspicion of attempted burglary, possession of burglary tools, possession of a controlled substance and possession of stolen property.

Gonzalez was additionally booked on suspicion of  possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while unlicensed.