A man accused of stealing a high-value electric bicycle from a Marina del Rey retailer last year was arrested after returning to the same store while riding the allegedly stolen bike, authorities told NBC4 Investigates.
Deputies assigned to the Marina del Rey Sheriff’s Station arrested 48-year-old Rene Garcia Garcia on Monday as part of ongoing efforts to combat retail theft and property crimes in the area.
According to investigators, Garcia allegedly stole a Cannondale electric bicycle valued at approximately $1,975 from the REI store in Marina del Rey on July 31, 2025.
On Monday evening, Garcia returned to the same REI location, where the store’s Asset Protection Manager recognized him as the suspect involved in the earlier theft, authorities said.
Deputies, who were conducting follow-up enforcement efforts related to recent theft incidents, responded to the store and identified Garcia inside the business.
As the popularity of e-bikes, there has been “an ongoing problem,” the city said. Christian Cázares reports for the NBC4 News at 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Garcia was arrested without incident, investigators said. He was booked on felony theft-related charges pending review by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Authorities later determined that Garcia had ridden the bicycle reported stolen in July 2025 back to the store on the day of his arrest.
“This arrest highlights the strong partnership between Marina del Rey deputies and local businesses,” Lt. Christopher Landavazo said in a statement. “Retail theft has a direct impact on our community, and we remain committed to identifying repeat offenders and holding them accountable.”
The investigation remains ongoing.