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Suspects in Custody and Search for Accomplice
Early Thursday afternoon, Newport Beach police apprehended at least two suspects and initiated a search for a potential third accomplice after a theft or robbery attempt occurred at the Louis Vuitton store in Neiman Marcus at the Fashion Island shopping center. An officer at the scene provided this information.
Officer Urges Bystanders to Exercise Caution
Sgt. Steven Oberon, a member of the Newport Beach Police Department, was present among other officers at the shopping center and was seen encouraging bystanders to move away from the area, warning them about the potential danger posed by the situation. He informed a reporter that the investigation was still underway.
Police Presence and Store Closure
Efforts to contact a spokesperson for the Newport Beach Police Department were unsuccessful at that moment. However, multiple police vehicles swarmed Fashion Island and cordoned off entrances around 1 p.m.
By 2 p.m., Louis Vuitton began asking its customers to leave and closed its doors due to the ongoing incident.
Newport Beach Resident Witnesses the Incident
Ron Hiller, a resident of Newport Beach, overheard an employee discussing the incident with the police. When Hiller noticed a helicopter flying overhead, he approached the scene out of curiosity. The woman, whom he overheard, revealed that there had been an attempted robbery at Louis Vuitton.
Police Presence Blocks Parking Lots
About 20 police vehicles created blockades in the parking lots surrounding the Fashion Island shopping center.
History of Theft Attempts at Neiman Marcus
This recent incident marks another theft attempt at the Neiman Marcus location within the past year. In February, a burglary resulted in the theft of over $100,000 worth of luxury merchandise. Additionally, a robbery occurred at the store in July 2022, with police reports indicating the recovery of approximately $58,000 in stolen goods.
