In the early morning hours of Tuesday, June 21st, the Jimmy Dean’s on the corner of Lyons Ave and Kansas Street in Newhall is believed to have been burglarized. According to reports, deputies received a call at about one in the morning regarding the incident. The early reports indicated that the suspects broke a window and gained entrance to the structure. Deputies verified that the window was indeed broken, but no information regarding stolen items or whether the suspects actually entered the structure was made available.

Burglary is covered under California Penal Code 459 PC and is described as entering a structure or locked vehicle with the intention of committing grand theft, petty theft, or any felony offense therein. Typically, burglary is associated only with breaking into a structure or locked vehicle with the intention of stealing – and most burglaries involve just that. However, it’s possible to be charged with burglary even if you don’t plan to steal something or even if you don’t break into the structure.

A few examples include:

  • Breaking into a home with the intention of committing a felonious sex crime against the inhabitant(s).
  • Going into a bank intending to commit felonious fraud
  • Entering a jewelry store, smashing the cases, and stealing jewelry worth more than $950

Burglary is divided into first-degree and second-degree categories. First-degree burglary includes residential structures and second-degree burglary involves any other structures.

First-degree burglary is always charged as a felony and the potential penalties include two to six years in California state prison. Second-degree burglary is known as a “wobbler” that can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances of the case and the suspect’s prior criminal history. Misdemeanor charges include up to one year in county jail. Felony charges include 16 months to 3 years in county jail.

The suspects are currently at large.