A weeks-long investigation into the theft of more than $8,000 in tools and equipment from a Lake Mathews property ended Thursday with the arrest of a 21-year-old San Jacinto man, authorities said.

Deputies first responded to the case on July 24, when a resident in the 17000 block of Multiview Drive reported that a former employee had taken items valued at about $8,200, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators identified the suspect as Alex Caballero and turned the case over to the Lake Mathews Station’s Special Enforcement Team. Nearly three weeks later, on Aug. 14, deputies spotted Caballero’s vehicle in the unincorporated area of Winchester.

During a traffic stop, deputies took Caballero into custody without incident.

A search later led authorities to a San J

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