A Turlock couple arrested after suspicious activity near the home of filmmaker George Lucas, could be facing a host of new charges as authorities link them to multiple break-ins in the Monterey area.
Daniel Allen Coats, 32, and Heather Victoria Salen, 30, both of Turlock, were taken into custody Saturday night on charges of suspicion of possession of burglary tools and ammunition. They were arrested after a Marin County sheriff’s deputy noticed them driving and behaving suspiciously near Lucas Valley Road and Skywalker Ranch.
Inside the couple’s Chevrolet truck, the sheriff’s deputy found several items commonly used in burglaries, including a lock-picking kit, shaved keys, bolt cutters, and a crowbar. Deputies also found stolen property, including purses, cell phones, iPads and other electronics in their possession.
Additionally, deputies found a handgun, ammunition and drugs in the truck.
Investigators are now looking to see if the pair are connected to at least 21 burglaries in the Monterey and Carmel area. That investigation is ongoing.