Two suspects in a Blythe-area burglary were in custody Thursday, while a third was free on bail.
Colorado River Sheriff’s Station deputies received a report of a burglary in progress shortly before 4 p.m. Wednesday in the 17000 block of Palowalla Road in Mesa Verde, an unincorporated area near Blythe, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
A witness claimed to have seen people stealing goods from a nearby residence and putting the property into a gray Ford pickup. Deputies found a vehicle that matched the description fleeing the scene and initiated a traffic stop, arresting three occupants — 54-year-old Ripley resident Pablo Torres, 62-year-old Mesa Verde resident Russell Stroschein and 43-year-old Mesa Verde resident Becky Stroschein.
All three were booked into the Blythe Jail on suspicion of conspiracy and possession of stolen property, according to inmate records, which indicated that Torres and Russell Stroschein were also suspected of burglary. About $500 of allegedly stolen property was recovered, according to sheriff’s officials.
Inmate records indicate that Becky Stroschein, initially held on $10,000 bail, was released Thursday and is scheduled for an initial court appearance at the Blythe Courthouse Feb. 4. The other two defendants are set to appear Friday at the Larson Justice Center in Indio.
An investigation is ongoing. Anyone with relevant information was encouraged to contact Deputy Ruvalcaba at the Colorado River Station by calling 760-921-7900.