(Valley Springs, CA) On 05/15/12 at approx. 2:52 AM, Calaveras
Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a commercial alarm sounding at the
Smoke Shop, a Valley Springs business located at 200 Highway 12. Upon
arrival the deputies noticed a shattered front door to a vacant office
space next door to The Smoke Shop. The deputies entered the vacant
office and while inside noticed that a ceiling tile had been removed
from the ceiling. They also heard noises through the open hole in the
ceiling coming from the adjoining business (The Smoke Shop). The
deputies surrounded the office complex, identified themselves and
ordered the suspect, later identified as Steven Russell Carson (21) of
Manteca, to surrender. A deputy standing outside The Smoke Shop heard
loud noises coming from the store, and then suddenly saw Mr. Carson
appear inside the US Post Office that adjoined The Smoke Shop. Mr.
Carson was immediately taken into custody.
During the investigation Sheriff’s Detectives learned that Mr.
Carson forced entry through the vacant office, climbed into and crawled
through the ceiling over The Smoke Shop. He then dropped to the floor
where he attempted to disable the alarm system. When he discovered that
the deputies arrived he panicked and used a hammer to break a hole
through the wall into the post office in an attempt to escape. It
appeared that Mr. Carson attempted to steal cigarettes. During the
search of the scene deputies found a baggie containing suspected
methamphetamine lying on the ground that allegedly belonged to Mr.
Carson. This is the second time that the vacant office space had been
broken into with the possible purpose being to gain entry into The Smoke
Shop.
Mr. Carson was booked into the Calaveras County Jail on the charges
of burglary, vandalism, possession of a controlled substance, injury to
power lines, obstructing an officer, and possession of burglary tools.
It was discovered that at the time of his arrest Mr. Carson was out on
bail for similar crimes in Stanislaus County.
Investigators are looking into the possibility that others may be
involved in this crime. Sheriff’s Detectives are continuing with their
investigation. If anyone should have information on this incident or any
other burglaries in the area they ask that you call the Calaveras
Sheriff’s Office’s Tip Line at (209) 754-6030.
