By Ariana Camarena
Woodland – A preliminary hearing was held to determine if a man suspected of shoplifting video games from a West Sacramento Target should be brought to trial.
Cameron Hackett is charged with armed robbery and possession of a burglary tool. The only witness to testify during this preliminary hearing was a West Sacramento Target security officer, who allegedly saw the defendant taking the video games. The People were represented by Deputy DA Daniele Schlehofer and the defendant was represented by Deputy Public Defender Richard Van Zandt. Judge David Rosenberg presided over the case.
On April 12, 2019, at 9 p.m., the Target security officer, while conducting video surveillance, allegedly saw an individual, whom he identified as the defendant, taking video games inside the store. The video games were stored in heavy-duty cases and only accessible to individuals with the magnetic key or another magnetic device. In his testimony, the security officer shared he did not see what was inside the man’s hand but noticed an unlocking motion over the cases. The individual allegedly concealed the video games in a waste bin beneath a clothing rack as he removed 
them.
After removing several video games from the cases, the subject then proceeded past all points of sale in the store and toward the exit. The witness moved to the outside of the store past the dual set of doors to intercept the subject. He stopped the individual and asked him to return inside the store.
The subject allegedly said, “This is bull***t,” before turning and starting to walk inside of the store. After entering the first set of doors, the man turned back to the officer and attempted to rush past him.
The witness attempted to prevent the subject from leaving by spreading his arms while they were between the first and second set of doors. The subject then allegedly threatened the witness by stating, “I’m going to f***ing stab you.” The witness claimed to have feared for his safety and let the subject leave. The subject proceeded to exit the parking lot with seven stolen video games. The witness totaled the games at $419.93 after the altercation.
In elaborating on the altercation, the security officer shared that the defendant didn’t claim to have a knife, but the individual’s threat made him fear for his safety.
Judge Rosenberg declared that there was sufficient evidence to hold the defendant for both counts. Arraignment is scheduled to take place on October 10, 2019, at 9 a.m.
