Porterville police catch suspected Mervyn's robbers

Two people seen stealing from Mervyn’s in October were arrested Monday — nearly 11 weeks after allegedly committing the crime.

They were later identified as Nadine Chuca Ledesma, 28, and her brother, Candelario Victor Chavarria, 24, both of Porterville.

Loss prevention personnel at the now-closed department store saw Ledesma and Chavarria stealing from the store on Oct. 21 and confronted the pair as they were trying to leave the store, police report.

A struggle ensued, during which Chavarria fled to the parking lot and got into a vehicle.

Chavarria returned to the scene of the struggle, reportedly drove his vehicle at loss prevention personnel and allegedly made motions as if he were drawing a handgun in an apparent effort to help Ledesma escape, police report.

The store’s personnel backed away from the situation and called police. They suspects fled from the scene.

Detective Rick Carrillo led the investigation, during which the suspects were identified as Chavarria and Ledesma, police report. Both were taken into custody on Monday without incident.

Ledesma reportedly was in possession of a small amount of suspected methamphetamine at the time of her arrest, police report. She was booked on suspicion of robbery, conspiracy and possession of a controlled substance.

Chavarria was booked on suspicion of robbery and conspiracy.

-- Contact Glen Faison at 784-5000, Ext. 1040, or gfaison@portervillerecorder.com.