The Irvine Police Department released surveillance and body-camera footage showing officers arresting two suspects accused of attempting to steal nearly $100,000 in designer handbags from a boutique near Jamboree and Dupont. The suspects reportedly scaled a wall to enter the store, tried to flee with multiple bags, and were later found hiding upstairs. Costa Mesa PD provided drone support and K9 teams assisted; officers say the suspects resisted arrest. About $100,000 in handbags were recovered and the two were booked into Orange County Jail on multiple charges.
Irvine Police Arrest Two After Nearly $100K Luxury Handbag Heist Caught on Video
Surveillance video shows suspects inside a luxury handbag store moments before police arrived.
California authorities say two people were arrested after surveillance footage captured an alleged attempt to steal nearly $100,000 worth of designer handbags from a boutique in Irvine. The Irvine Police Department (IPD) released video showing officers intercepting the suspects as they tried to leave the store with multiple luxury items.
Surveillance footage shows two suspects carrying luxury handbags inside an Irvine retail building during an alleged burglary.
What Happened
Police responded early in the morning after building security alerted them to a break-in near Jamboree Road and Dupont Drive. Security footage reportedly showed two individuals scaling a tall exterior wall and entering a boutique that carried high-end brands such as Celine and Givenchy.
Irvine police officers, assisted by a K9 unit, search office spaces after responding to a burglary report.
Moments Captured on Camera
Surveillance video shows the pair attempting to exit through an emergency door while carrying numerous shopping bags, then changing direction and running up a flight of stairs to a higher floor. Officers, some visibly armed with what appeared to be assault rifles, along with K9 teams, located the suspects hiding near office spaces. The Costa Mesa Police Department assisted by providing drone support, according to IPD.
Video released by police shows suspects scaling an exterior wall before entering the building.
Body-worn camera footage captured the suspects being handcuffed and escorted to a police cruiser. Officers reported that both individuals resisted arrest during the apprehension.
Arrests, Recovery and Charges
IPD identified the suspects as Richard Bernard Spencer, 40, of Los Angeles, and Marcellus Ronell Shelby, 30, of Hollywood. Authorities recovered about $100,000 worth of handbags and returned them to the victim. Both suspects were arrested and later booked into Orange County Jail on charges including burglary, grand theft, conspiracy, vandalism and resisting arrest.
From IPD: Building security alerted officers that two people were seen on surveillance entering the building, prompting a rapid police response.
The released footage provides a detailed view of the incident and the coordinated response by multiple agencies. Investigations and processing of the scene were ongoing at the time of the report.
Help us improve.
