By Sara Beth Williams–
Two suspects have been arrested in connection with a burglary at Mesa Verde High School on Aug. 20, thanks to the help of community members, Citrus Heights Police said.
In a media release posted to social media over the weekend, police said the community’s tips helped detectives identify and locate the two suspects in the case.
After the suspects’ photos were released at the end of August, police received several tips identifying the suspects as 28-year-old Ryan Risucci and 27-year-old Ariel McHugh.
The suspects are accused of stealing more than $5,000 in musical instruments from the school’s band room and were caught on security cameras from multiple angles.
“The response from our community was immediate,” police said.
Through tips, investigators also learned the suspects had seen the police department’s previous social media post and left the area, police said.
On Sept 1, after receiving an Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) alert associated with the suspects, Anderson Police Department officers located the vehicle and subsequently arrested both Risucci and McHugh.
Citrus Heights Police detectives followed up by traveling to Anderson to investigate, and discovered additional evidence connected to the burglary during their search of the vehicle.
“This case is a great example of what can happen when our community, investigators, technology, and law enforcement partners work together. Thank you to everyone who shared our original post or submitted a tip. Your information directly assisted our detectives in identifying these suspects and moving this investigation forward,” police said in their release, also adding their thanks to the Anderson Police Department for their assistance and partnership.
Sacramento main jail records show Risucci and McHugh are still in custody and both ineligible for bail. No court dates have been scheduled.
As with all criminal cases, arrested individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
