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Ripon Police arrest Lathrop man, 20, in connection with beer run, car ramming
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Mark A. Livingston, 20, Lathrop is being transported to San Joaquin County Jail by Ripon detectives Sgt. Steve Merchant and Detective Anthony DeMarinis after being tracked to his home in Lathrop on Thursday. - photo by GLENN KAHL
RIPON — A Lathrop 20-year-old man who allegedly acted as a getaway driver Wednesday night in a theft at a Ripon convenience store was tracked to his Lathrop home on Thursday and arrested by Ripon police officers.

Mark A. Livingston was charged with two felonies, conspiracy and assault with a deadly weapon, police said.  He was taken to San Joaquin County Jail where he is being held in lieu of $35,000 bail with a court date set for 1:30 p.m. on June 7 in the Manteca Branch of the San Joaquin County Court.

Officer Scott Lindsay said that a Hispanic man reportedly entered the Quick Stop convenience store on West Main Street at Jack Tone Road at about 8 p.m. Wednesday, went to the back of the store and took two 12-packs of Corona beer and fled out the door.

Livingston was waiting in his car that was parked in the driveway of an apartment complex to the east of the convenience store where he was apparently waiting for his friend to return, police said.  

As the two attempted to flee the driveway area, two motorists attempted to block their escape with their vehicles – a black suburban and a black BMW.   According to the motorists, Livingston backed up his 1992 Nissan Sentra away from the cars and rammed the vehicles that were in his way.  After making contact with them he drove between the cars and fled on Main Street, the victims told police.

With the use of a license number the Ripon officers located Livingston who lived in one rented room in a home in the 1700 block of Millstone Way in Lathrop.  Since he was on searchable probation from previous convictions officers were able to search his car and his home.

Officer Scott Lindsay was the arresting officer, noting that Livingston offered no resistance when he was confronted about the incident.  The responsible for allegedly  taking the beer is still outstanding, police said.

Officers said his past convictions include hit and run, auto burglaries, possession of burglary tools and grand theft.

Within an hour of the incident Sheriff’s deputies responded to Ripon’s request to make contact at Livingston’s home, but he was reportedly not at the residence.  Livingston’s car, of which he is the registered owner, was said to be parked in the driveway.