Thief Caught on Video Snatching Dozens of iPhones from California Apple Store
Suspect Arrested and Charged with Burglary and Grand Theft
A California man was arrested on Wednesday night in connection with a theft from an Apple Store in Berkeley. The incident, which was captured on video, shows the suspect snatching display devices before casually walking past a police vehicle and entering a getaway car.
The suspect, identified as 22-year-old Tyler Mims of Berkeley, was apprehended by Emeryville Police Department detectives. He is now facing charges of burglary, grand theft, and other related crimes.
Thief Caught on Video, Stealing iPhones with Brazen Boldness
During the incident, a masked man – allegedly Mims – wearing black clothing was captured on video footage, going from table to table, ripping phones from their displays, and swiftly stuffing them into his pockets. The theft occurred on February 5, 2024, at around 10:30 a.m. in the morning at the Apple Store in Emeryville, California.
Despite the bold crime being committed in a public space, witnesses at the store stood by, and the person recording the video closely followed the thief as they made their way out of the store and escaped in a black Hyundai. The video quickly made rounds on various social media platforms, garnering millions of views.
Increasing Incidents of Apple Store Thefts
The theft at the Emeryville Apple Store is one in a series of incidents the local police department has been grappling with. In fact, since January 19, this Apple Store alone has been targeted by thieves in four separate grand thefts. Emeryville Police Department detectives investigated these incidents and discovered links to organized retail crimes.
Seeking collaboration with nearby law enforcement agencies, detectives began working with the Berkeley Police Department and California Highway Patrol. As a result, a joint operation was conducted, leading to the arrest of three individuals allegedly involved in the theft at the Apple Store in Berkeley, which occurred earlier on the same day.
Mims, identified as the person in the Emeryville Apple Store theft video, was among those arrested. Emeryville Police Department confirmed his arrest and stated that the joint collaboration between agencies was crucial in apprehending the suspects.
Continuing Efforts to Combat Organized Retail Theft
The Emeryville Police Department, in its ongoing efforts to curb organized retail theft, featured its determination in swiftly closing this Apple Store theft case. The Department is determined to work proactively to deter criminals and maintain public safety within the community.
Building on Apple’s Legacy With New Innovations
While this theft incident highlights the challenges faced by Apple Stores, the tech giant continues to make its mark in the tech world. Former Apple CEO emphasized the company’s commitment to groundbreaking innovation, comparing an extraordinary new product to the iconic iPhone invention. Apple’s ongoing dedication to pushing boundaries and shaping the industry remains evident.
Closure and Ongoing Investigation
Mims has been booked into jail and now faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit a crime, burglary, grand theft, and organized retail theft. The investigation into this incident and the series of Apple Store thefts remains ongoing.
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Apple Store in Emeryville, California
The Emeryville Apple Store, which faced a temporary closure in the past year, reopened its doors in January. This is the same store targeted in the recent theft, where iPhones worth nearly $50,000 were stolen.
Source: The E’Ville Eye
Disclaimer
FOX Business’ Lawrence Richard has contributed to the reporting of this incident.
