Man Steals Toy Cars From Lake Elsinore Store, Takes A Hospital Trip After Fight With Cops

A Wildomar man suspected of stealing more than $1,000 worth of remote-controlled toy cars from a Lake Elsinore store was facing possible criminal charges today.

Deputies were sent to the store in the 31000 block of Mission Trail just before 3 p.m. Monday to investigate a theft report, said Sgt. Ken Chaffin of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

The business owner reported that a suspect, later identified as Glenn Douglas Smith of Wildomar, fled the store with several expensive remote-controlled toy cars, Chaffin said.

The owner told investigators he followed Smith outside and saw him putting the items inside a vehicle occupied by another male, Chaffin said. When the victim confronted Smith, a fight ensued and the second suspect drove off, he said.

Officers arrived moments later and took Smith into custody. He complained of chest pains as a result of the fight and was taken to a hospital, Chaffin said, adding that the store owner was not injured.

Smith would be booked on suspicion of strong arm robbery upon his release from the hospital, he said.

The second suspect has not been identified and remained at large, Chaffin said.

The stolen items, valued at $1,320, were not recovered, he said.

Anyone with information about the case was urged to contact sheriff's investigators (951) 245-3300 during business hours or at (951) 776-1099 after hours.--City News Service