A San Francisco man found himself behind bars after a grand theft incident at a Target store in Novato on Friday night, according to the Novato Police Department.
The drama unfolded around 8:19 p.m. when Target employees recognized a familiar face in the store. They alerted police, describing the man as a “known thief” who was up to his old tricks, helping himself to merchandise.
Novato police officers wasted no time and arrived quickly. They caught the suspect in the act and took him into custody.
The man, 27-year-old Jared Benson from San Francisco, wasn’t new to the spotlight—or to this particular Target. Police later discovered that Benson was already a suspect in four other theft cases at the same Novato store.
This time, Benson’s haul was no small thing—he had taken over $2,000 worth of items. But that wasn’t all. Police also learned that he had an outstanding $10,000 felony warrant from the Morgan Hill Police Department for another grand theft case.
Benson’s list of troubles kept growing. He was arrested and booked into Marin County Jail, facing charges for five separate counts of burglary, including the warrant from Morgan Hill.
The incident highlights how fast action by both store employees and local police can put a dent in repeat thefts, reminding us that crime doesn’t pay—even when it comes with a familiar face.
