Placer County Hit by Break-In Blitz Targeting Small Businesses

One suspect arrested, two others still at large after string of burglaries in Rocklin and Auburn

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A group of masked suspects targeted at least six small businesses in Placer County, California early Wednesday morning, breaking into the establishments and stealing cash, safes, and other valuables. While one suspect, 25-year-old Elijah Felix, has been arrested in a related incident in Sacramento County, two other suspects remain at large according to the Placer County Sheriff's Office.

Why it matters

Small businesses are the backbone of many local communities, and these types of targeted break-ins can have a devastating impact, putting jobs and livelihoods at risk. The Placer County incidents highlight the vulnerability of small enterprises to organized criminal activity, raising concerns about the safety and security of local merchants.

The details

The break-in blitz hit several businesses in the Rocklin and Auburn areas of Placer County. Suspects targeted Painkillers Pub and the neighboring Pause Coffee House in Rocklin, as well as Max's Deli and Third Eye Tattoo in Auburn. The suspects, described as a group of three masked individuals, used crowbars to force their way into the businesses and made off with cash, safes, and other valuables. One business owner noted that the break-in put several large catering jobs at risk.

  • The incidents occurred early Wednesday morning, February 12, 2026.
  • Just hours after the break-ins, Elijah Felix, 25, was pulled over and arrested in Sacramento County in a vehicle linked to the Placer County crimes.

The players

Elijah Felix

A 25-year-old man who was arrested in Sacramento County in a vehicle linked to the Placer County break-ins.

Auston Oliver

The owner of Painkillers Pub in Rocklin, one of the businesses targeted in the break-in blitz.

Max's Deli

A deli in Auburn that was hit by the masked suspects, putting several large catering jobs at risk for the owner.

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What they’re saying

“They were hitting the door, you can see the marks with crowbars. They ended up wedging it in.”

— Auston Oliver, Owner, Painkillers Pub (cbsnews.com)

“I don't know if I was targeted specifically, but it did feel as though they knew what they were looking for, and they went right to it.”

— Owner, Max's Deli (cbsnews.com)

“I feel for the other people that were targeted as well, because it does feel like it was a small business target.”

— Owner, Max's Deli (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The Placer County Sheriff's Office is continuing its investigation to identify and apprehend the two remaining suspects involved in the break-in blitz.

The takeaway

These targeted break-ins against small businesses in Placer County underscore the vulnerability of local enterprises to organized criminal activity. As authorities work to catch the remaining suspects, the incidents raise broader questions about how to better protect and support small businesses in the face of such threats to their security and livelihood.