Manhunt Underway: Brazen Duo Targeted Southern California Targets in Massive Theft Spree

A widespread manhunt is currently underway across Southern California as law enforcement intensifies efforts to apprehend two men accused of orchestrating a brazen and systematic wave of thefts targeting numerous Target stores. The duo, identified as Joshua Wayne Barbee, 36, and Christopher Carlin, 33, are wanted in connection with a series of what authorities are calling "push-out" thefts, a method that has seen them walk out of multiple retail locations with thousands of dollars in merchandise.

The investigation is being spearheaded by the vigilant detectives of the California Retail Organized Crime (ORC) Task Force.

This multi-agency unit is dedicated to combating the rising tide of retail theft, which costs businesses immense losses annually. According to the task force, Barbee and Carlin have been operating with a distinct pattern: they methodically fill shopping carts with high-value items, ranging from electronics and household goods to sought-after alcoholic beverages, and then, without any attempt to pay, simply exit the stores.

The reach of their alleged crime spree is alarmingly extensive, spanning across four major Southern California counties.

Law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties have all reported incidents linked to these two suspects, indicating a well-coordinated or at least highly mobile operation. This broad geographical scope underscores the challenge faced by investigators in tracking and apprehending such elusive individuals.

Adding a layer of complexity to the pursuit, Joshua Wayne Barbee is not a new face to law enforcement records.

He boasts an extensive and concerning criminal history that includes prior convictions for grand theft, burglary, and even possession of a controlled substance while armed. Furthermore, he was previously arrested in 2022 for similar "push-out" thefts, suggesting a long-standing pattern of criminal behavior specifically targeting retail establishments.

This history highlights a potential modus operandi that has seemingly continued unchecked until now.

The ORC Task Force is urging the public to come forward with any information that could lead to the arrest of Barbee and Carlin. Community assistance is often a critical factor in resolving such cases, especially when suspects are actively evading capture.

Anyone who believes they have seen these individuals or possess information pertinent to their whereabouts is strongly encouraged to contact Detective D. Montanari directly at 909-387-3532. Every piece of information, no matter how small it may seem, could be the key to bringing these alleged retail criminals to justice and curbing further losses for local businesses.