A 22-year-old Berkeley native, Tyler Mims, has been arrested in connection with a brazen theft from an Apple Store in Berkeley, California, after a video of the incident went viral on social media.
Emeryville Police Department detectives took Mims into custody on Wednesday night, charging him with burglary, grand theft, and other offenses related to the theft from the Apple Store in Berkeley.
The theft, which occurred on February 5, 2024, involved Mims allegedly snatching display devices, including approximately 50 iPhones valued at $49,230, from the store.
Who is Tyler Mims?
In the video footage circulating online, a masked individual, later identified as Mims, can be seen swiftly moving through the store, grabbing phones from their displays, and stuffing them into his pockets.
Despite the presence of a police vehicle outside the store, authorities clarified that it was an unoccupied “ghost car,” utilized to deter criminal activity. No officers were present at the scene during the theft.
Following the incident, which was reported by a caller, the Emeryville Police Department collaborated with the Berkeley Police Department and the California Highway Patrol to investigate the crime. This joint effort led to the arrest of Mims and two other individuals associated with the theft.
Mims faces multiple charges, including conspiracy, burglary, grand theft, and organized retail theft. He is currently held at the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin and is scheduled to appear in court on Friday.
The video of the robbery garnered widespread attention on social media platforms, accumulating millions of views collectively. Many viewers expressed shock and frustration at the brazenness of the theft and the apparent lack of intervention by witnesses or law enforcement.
As the investigation into the theft continues, authorities are working to apprehend all individuals involved and prevent future incidents of organized retail crime in the area.
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Updates on Mims’ case and any developments related to the theft from the Apple Store in Berkeley will be provided as more information becomes available.
