Santa Clara Cop Caught Stealing Watch Has Yet to be Charged
SAN JOSE — A Santa Clara police spokesman said an officer was placed on paid administrative leave after he was cited for shoplifted merchandise from a Target department store in San Jose.
Kiet Nguyen, a 24-year veteran, was accused Saturday of committing two misdemeanor crimes — shoplifting and possessing burglary tools.
Santa Clara Police Officer Kiet Nguyen
A San Jose police report states that around 3:40 p.m. this Saturday, Nguyen was observed trying to steal a smart watch worth approximately $250. Target loss-prevention officers reported that Nguyen had removed a locking device in order to take the watch off the shelf.
Nguyen reportedly went to a register to pay for other things he apparently intended to purchase, but not the watch. Nguyen was stopped and detained by Target loss-prevention officers, who called police after Nguyen tried to leave the store.
“We’re sad to hear this happened involving one of our employees. We’ll await the outcome of the investigation and an administrative review.”
— Lt. Kurt Clarke, Santa Clara police spokesman
When police arrived, they discovered Nguyen had a small set of wire cutters and a magnetic key. Nguyen was cited for two misdemeanors and allowed to leave the property without being arrested.
Despite the police report and citations, Nguyen has yet to be charged. The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office said Thursday that it had not received the case from the San Jose police.
