Suspect escapes with thousands of dollars worth of tools in Orange County

Police are searching for a man who stole thousands of dollars worth of construction tools in Orange County.

On Aug. 4, the suspect entered a Harbor Freight store in Irvine and grabbed four industrial multi-process welders, according to the Irvine Police Department.

He stacked the four welders onto a dolly and wheeled the items out of the store without paying, authorities said.

The stolen merchandise was worth around $3,500.

The thief drove away in a white Chevy Trailblazer SUV that did not have license plates, police said.

Surveillance footage from the retailer captured the suspect as he made his way around the store. Investigators have released photos of the man in hopes someone may recognize him.

Anyone who recognizes the suspect is asked to email detlinger@cityofirvine.org.

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