Suspected Ice Cream Store Tip Jar Thieves Stopped Cold

Friday - May 02, 2008 - 8:50 p.m. - Valencia:

Commit Crime? - Not in the Santa Clarita Valley -  Two Newhall residents were arrested on burglary and other charges Friday night after they allegedly worked together to steal the tip jar from the Valencia Cold Stone Creamery. 

Deputies report that one of the suspects, Damone Gray II, MB/20, entered the store and began drawing attention to himself by making loud comments and gestures.  After the patrons and employees focused their attention on Gray, a second suspect, Lacey Headley-Collier, FW/20, allegedly entered the store, grabbed the tip jar and ran out.  Suspect Gray followed her out and they both fled towards Magic Mountain Parkway.  Deputies immediately responded and broadcast the suspect information.  A sergeant spotted the suspects near Town Center Drive a short time later and they were arrested.  Deputies reported they recovered $14.88. 

Both suspects were booked at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station on felony charges of Burglary and Criminal Conspiracy.  They are each being held in lieu of $20,000 bail.       

The investigation is ongoing and there is no further information at this time.  -ref 07835

If You See Something, Say Something!  Report non-emergency crime anonymously by visiting the following link: Crime Tips or calling (661) 284-2-TIP / (661) 284-2847. 

Always verify the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's information and news releases by visiting our website at SCVSheriff, the City of Santa Clarita's website at Santa-Clarita, the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department's website at LASD or a trusted local news source.  Three other local news outlets are KHTS AM-1220, The Signal and The West Ranch Beacon.  For questions regarding this release, contact Sergeant Harris at (661) 799-5814.