SFPD Apprehends Eight Suspected in Series of Organized Retail Thefts at Walgreens Stores in San Francisco

Eight people have been arrested by the San Francisco Police Department in connection with coordinated retail thefts that targeted Walgreens locations throughout the city. The suspects, who include a number of minors, are linked to at least 23 occurrences totaling more than $84,000 in stolen goods, according to the San Francisco Police Department. Investigations into a violent robbery at Walgreens on Potrero Avenue on September 16 that left shop employees beaten, including one who suffered a serious head injury while pleading with the culprits to stop their theft, preceded the arrests.

When these crimes are examined more closely, it becomes clear that the suspects worked together, and the Mission Station Anti-Vendor Enforcement Unit became aware of their previous criminal activity. Five minors were identified and ultimately arrested in relation to the store crimes when they were implicated in another assault that occurred on the same day as the Walgreens heist. Working along with Walgreens Asset Protection, the SFPD identified a trend of thefts at several sites, each with a unique suspect description and approach.

The crew’s high-profile offenses include the July 11 forced entry and theft of $1.3k worth of products from the Walgreens at 2050 Irving Street and the September 29 blatant daylight robbery at the Castro Street location, where they stole over $27k in a few short hours. A particularly horrific incident that was documented in SFPD case 240568369 involved a suspect who, while escaping with stolen goods from the Mission Street store, pointed a gun at a security guard.

According to the SFPD’s release, the group faces serious accusations, with the youngest member, a 12-year-old San Francisco resident, facing several counts, including organized retail theft and assault likely to cause significant bodily injury. Among others, 18-year-old Brandon McClain and a 15-year-old San Francisco resident could be charged with carjacking in connection with an incident that occurred in early November.

Anyone with information is encouraged to come forward by the SFPD. One way to get in touch is by giving 1-415-575-4444 a direct call or by texting TIP411 a tip that starts with “SFPD.”

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