Ridgecrest Man Arrested for Alleged Monster Energy Theft

Suspect accused of stealing energy drink cases from local grocery store

Mar. 27, 2026 at 5:18am

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Ridgecrest police have arrested a 32-year-old man named Trey Troxell for allegedly stealing two cases of Monster Energy drinks from a Stater Brothers grocery store on March 24, 2026. Troxell was recognized through surveillance footage and had prior convictions for theft-related crimes, making him eligible for felony charges.

Why it matters

Retail theft, especially of high-value items like energy drinks, is an ongoing issue for many grocery stores and businesses. This arrest highlights the challenges stores face in preventing and prosecuting repeat offenders who may be reselling stolen merchandise.

The details

According to police, Troxell entered the Stater Brothers store around 1:50 pm on March 24 and allegedly tried to steal six cases of Monster Energy drinks. He was able to leave with two 24-packs before officers were called. Police later recognized Troxell from the surveillance footage and arrested him shortly after. Detectives also found that Troxell was allegedly selling the stolen drinks to another local business for resale.

  • On March 24, 2026, at around 1:50 pm, Troxell allegedly stole the Monster Energy cases from the Stater Brothers store.
  • Shortly after the incident, police arrested Troxell based on the surveillance footage.

The players

Trey Troxell

A 32-year-old Ridgecrest resident with prior convictions for theft-related crimes.

Stater Brothers

A grocery store in Ridgecrest, California where the alleged theft took place.

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What’s next

Troxell's case will likely proceed through the criminal justice system, with prosecutors determining whether to pursue felony charges given his prior convictions.

The takeaway

This arrest underscores the challenges retailers face in combating organized retail crime, where stolen merchandise is resold for profit. It highlights the need for continued collaboration between law enforcement and businesses to deter and apprehend repeat offenders.