Santa Clara police Officer Kiet Nguyen, 48, has served 24 years with the department and has been on paid administrative leave since May 16, said Santa Clara police Lt. Kurt Clarke on Wednesday. While off-duty, the police officer of Santa Clara allegedly shoplifted a watch from a Target store in San Jose, California.
According to the Santa Clara District Attorney’s Office, Nguyen has been formally charged with petty theft and using burglary tools. If convicted, he could face up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine.
On May 16, San Jose police officers responded to a report of someone shoplifting at the Westgate Center Target store located at 1600 Saratoga Ave. around 3:40 p.m., San Jose police Sgt. Enrique Garcia said. The retail store’s loss prevention officer detained Nguyen, whom was found with a smartwatch worth $250.
According to Garcia, Nguyen was cited for shoplifting and possession of burglary tools, both misdemeanors, and was released. The police report states the loss prevention officers saw Nguyen take the watch by disabling its locking device with a magnetic key and wire cutters.
Shoppers outside the Target said they were flabbergasted to learn of his arrest.
“It’s a sad situation,” said Laurie Paolini of San Jose. “It’s very difficult but obviously he has problems and shouldn’t be an authority.”
“If he wanted a watch then he should have paid for it,” said 11-year-old Emma Cornwell of San Jose. “Even if he’s a police officer he should still have to pay.”
“It doesn’t seem like a huge crime, but it plants a seed so you wonder,” said Shayne Cornwell of San Jose.
His arraignment is set for July 13.
SOURCE: KTVU
