Seal Beach Police arrest two counterfeiting suspects

Seal Beach Police officers recently arrested Michael Richardson, 24, of Bakersfield, and Zackery Brazeal, 33, of Santa Rosa, on suspicion of receiving stolen property, possession of forgery equipment, false personation, and possessing counterfeit currency. The following is the Police Department’s account of the events leading to the arrest:

On Tuesday, August 26, at approximately 12:30 p.m., a man entered the Vons Pavilions supermarket on the 1100 block of Pacific Coast Highway in Seal Beach.  The man reportedly attempted to make a purchase using two counterfeit $100 bills.  The counterfeit bills were detected by store employees, who called the police.  The suspect fled the store before the police arrived, leaving in a car with another suspect.  Store employees provided responding officers with a description of the car, which was broadcast to police units in the area.

A Seal Beach officer saw a vehicle matching the description of the suspect vehicle near the intersection of Second Street and PCH in Long Beach.  The car and the occupants were detained.  A field investigation determined that the vehicle had been reported stolen and one of the occupants was identified as the suspect who had passed the counterfeit bill.  Additionally, materials used to create counterfeit currency were reportedly discovered in the vehicle.  Both occupants were arrested for charges related to the stolen vehicle, counterfeiting and identity theft.  The United States Secret Service is assisting with the investigation.

In a statement, the Seal Beach Police Department reminded all businesses to be vigilant about counterfeit currency, advising business owners and employees to report all suspicious activity by calling 562-799-4100.