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Theft of Alcohol in Thousand Oaks
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, August 25th, 2011
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department Deputies from the Thousand Oaks Police Department responded to a theft that had just occurred at Total Wine and More in Thousand Oaks. Brian Barash and Ferdinand Miller had taken several bottles of premium alcohol, valued at over $1,100.00. The suspects split up upon leaving the business. Soon after, Barash fled the area on foot when confronted in the parking lot by store management, leaving the alcohol behind. Deputies were able to locate Barash a short distance away. Barash refused orders to stop, and a foot pursuit began. The deputies chased Barash for over a quarter mile through a shopping center, medical office complex, and two apartment complexes. The pursuing deputy lost sight of Barash several times, but alert citizens were able to provide the deputy with Barash’s direction of travel. Barash eventually surrendered to a patrol sergeant who was able to cut off Barash’s attempt to escape. A witness who was aware of the incident at Total Wine alerted other deputies at the scene to Miller’s location at a nearby restaurant. Miller was contacted at the restaurant and subsequently arrested. After the arrest, investigators learned that Barash and Miller had been arrested earlier this month and were out on bail for a similar crime in Irvine, California. They have also been identified as suspects in at least six other similar crimes in Orange and Los Angeles Counties. Barash and Miller were booked at the East County Jail. They have both been charged with commercial burglary and conspiracy. Their bail has been set at $100,000.00. Location: 394 N. Moorpark Rd. Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 |
