Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – After responding to a burglary in progress call at Diamond Jewelers on East 20^th Avenue, Gulf Shores police found there was forcibly entry but that nothing was taken.

On Jan. 1, 2023 at approximately 12:07 a.m. Officers from the Gulf Shores Police Department responded to Diamond Jewelers at 108 E. 20th Ave. The suspects were no longer on scene but officers were able to quickly determine the vehicle the suspects used to flee the scene. Officers stopped the suspect vehicle and detained both occupants.  Those occupants were identified as:

• Ricardo Fabian Soto-Vargas, 34, address unknown

• Sebastian Vilches, 36 address unknown

Both were arrested and have been charged with Burglary third degree, possession of burglary tools and possession of marijuana. Both are currently being at the Baldwin County Jail on these charges with an Immigration hold due to verification that they have entered the United States illegally. 

Investigators are working with multiple law enforcement agencies to determine if Soto-Vargas and Vilches have connections to a South American theft ring that is responsible for similar crimes throughout the United States.

Detectives are asking for anyone with information to please contact the Gulf Shores Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 251-968-2431.