12-Year-Old Boy Arrested in Shocking San Francisco Retail Theft Bust!
A shocking series of events in San Francisco has led to the arrest of a 12-year-old boy suspected of being part of a violent, organized retail theft crew. The group, which included several other teenagers, allegedly carried out a string of thefts across the city, stealing more than $84,000 worth of merchandise in at least 23 separate incidents.
The San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) revealed that the crew ranged in age from 12 to 18. The oldest member was identified as 18-year-old Brandon McClain from Hayward. The other seven arrested members were juveniles, and their names were not released due to their age.
The 12-year-old boy from San Francisco faces serious charges, including assault, robbery, burglary, grand theft, and ten counts of organized retail theft. Police also arrested other young suspects, including boys aged 14 and 15 from San Francisco, Oakland, Oakley, and Pittsburg.
Investigators linked the group to multiple incidents in which masked thieves ransacked Walgreens stores across the city. These crimes were highly coordinated, with the crew employing the same strategies during their thefts.
According to the source, One of the most notable incidents occurred on September 29, when eight suspects entered a Walgreens on Castro Street and stole more than $15,000 worth of merchandise. Shockingly, the group returned just two hours later with five additional accomplices, stealing almost $12,000 more in merchandise.
On September 16, the crew targeted another Walgreens on Potrero Avenue. During this incident, an employee was assaulted when they tried to intervene, suffering a serious head injury. On the same day, the suspects reportedly carried out another assault near Mission Street and 24th Street.
Earlier that month, on September 9, nine suspects entered a Walgreens on Mission Street and stole over $1,000 worth of merchandise. During their escape, one of the suspects brandished a gun at a security guard.
In another shocking incident on August 18, seven suspects entered a Walgreens on Castro Street, with one member jumping over the counter to steal a cash register. The store lost $6,500.
The group’s spree of thefts reportedly began on July 11, when seven masked boys forced their way into a Walgreens on Irving Street. Employees, recognizing the group, had already called the police, but the suspects managed to steal $1,300 worth of merchandise before fleeing.
The SFPD’s Burglary & Organized Retail Crime Unit, along with other units and Walgreens Asset Protection, conducted an extensive investigation to track down and arrest the suspects. Authorities emphasized their commitment to addressing organized retail crime and ensuring the safety of local businesses and employees.
This case highlights the growing concern over organized retail theft, particularly involving minors. The SFPD continues to investigate the incidents and urges businesses and the public to report suspicious activity to help combat these crimes.
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