CPD nabs an alleged burglar they dubbed The Grinch

Calexico Police say this Christmas not everyone was being nice.

Officer Miguel Carbajal said someone allegedly burglarized a local business, took over $1,000 dollars in merchandise, and caused over $4,000 dollars in damage.

“The window had been smashed and it appeared that several items of clothing had been taken,” Carbajal said.

Carbajal said nobody was found inside the business. And the surveillance video was no help at all. But that’s when a local resident’s 911 call turned things around.

“Of an individual trying to sell possibly stolen items just a couple of blocks away from the business,” Carbajal said.

31-year-old Cody Flores was arrested on Imperial Avenue. He had a large trash can with the alleged stolen items still inside, as well as some broken glass.

“Initially he had stated that he had found the property and was taking it home. Later on, under Miranda, he gave full confession and stated that he was the one that actually broke the window and took the property from the business,” Carbajal said.

Police gave Flores a nick name.

“Since the crime occurred on Christmas morning, we dubbed him the Grinch. He tried to steal Christmas, but, luckily enough we grabbed him,” Carbajal said.

Police say Flores is off the street but they’re still looking for another Grinch that allegedly may have ruined the holidays for other business owners.

“They steal my laptop and they break the camera, everything. Too much damage. With all the glass on all the store,” Ahmed Mohammed said.