Suspect arrested in Nipomo grocery store theft

By Atascadero News · Mon Feb 23 2026

NIPOMO — The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a suspect in connection with a theft at the Vons grocery store in Nipomo earlier this month, crediting the public’s assistance for helping solve the case.

On February 2, deputies responded to a report that a suspect had stolen approximately $4,000 worth of alcohol over the course of about an hour. The suspect reportedly removed bottles from their boxes and concealed them under clothing and in a backpack, returning to the store multiple times during the theft.

Investigators identified 23-year-old Georgian Lovesmith, who is on parole out of San Diego, as the suspect. Sheriff’s detectives made a traffic stop on Highway 101 on February 12 and took Lovesmith into custody. He was booked on charges of burglary, grand theft, possession of stolen property, and a parole hold. More than $10,000 worth of stolen items were recovered during the investigation.

The Sheriff’s Office thanked the community for providing tips that helped identify and apprehend the suspect, highlighting the important role of public cooperation in solving local crimes.