An Alhambra Kohl's store became the scene of a foiled theft Monday when a man attempted to walk out with a high-ticket item, only to be tracked down by drone-operated police. The Alhambra Police Department reported that officers were called to the retail store after the male suspect took a $600 kitchen appliance without paying. The man tried to escape detection by heading towards the side of the building, presumably to avoid capture, but he could not outrun the law or the technology.
The drone operator swiftly pinpointed the suspect's location as he attempted to jump a wall at the side of the Kohl’s building, a maneuver that ultimately failed. Upon confronting the suspect, law enforcement officials found that he was not only involved in the day's theft but also had outstanding warrants for assault. "A male suspect walked out of the store with a $600 kitchen appliance without paying for it like it was on the house," the police posted on Facebook. The narrative was clear: A quick shopping trip turned into a quick arrest.
Authorities identified the man as Elijah Harold of Los Angeles, CA. In addition to the theft at Kohl's, he now faces the consequences of prior charges for assault that had yet to catch up with him until now. Alhambra Police took Harold into custody, processing him at the APD Jail.
The incident highlights not just the crime but the role of drone technology in modern law enforcement. Alhambra PD's quick deployment of their aerial ally provided a critical advantage in apprehending a suspect who might have otherwise eluded immediate capture. "Our drone operator quickly located the suspect, who was heading towards the side of the building, out of sight," the department recounted on their social media account, reminding the community of their surveillance capabilities.
