In a surprising turn of events, a local restaurant in Yucaipa, California, fell victim to a bizarre theft over the weekend. Two men were caught on security footage stealing 85 koi fish from the Oak House Restaurant, which features a small ranch area where visitors can see various exotic animals. The theft occurred early Saturday morning, with the suspects seen repeatedly entering and exiting the property with buckets.
Silvia Duarte, who co-owns the restaurant with her husband, reported that they had noticed a decline in the number of koi in their pond in the days leading up to the incident. She expressed her disbelief and sadness, stating, “How can you trust people now?” The koi fish, which can grow up to three feet long and are often seen as pets, held sentimental value for the owners and their customers.
Authorities arrested 42-year-old David Smith on Wednesday, linking him to the theft after tracking his vehicle. He is currently being held on a $30,000 bond on suspicion of grand theft. The second suspect remains unidentified and at large. Investigators are still trying to understand the motive behind the theft, especially since each koi could be worth between $50 and $1,500, depending on the buyer.
Duarte mentioned that only a few koi were recovered from Smith’s home, with just five small fish returned to the restaurant. The community has rallied around Duarte and her husband, expressing their outrage and support on social media after the incident was shared online.
This unusual crime has raised concerns about outdoor property theft in the area. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department noted that while the restaurant had surveillance cameras, securing outdoor areas can be challenging. Duarte plans to find a way to better secure the property to prevent similar incidents in the future. The koi fish were not just part of the restaurant’s charm; they were beloved by many visitors who often named them and enjoyed watching them swim in the pond.