Taraval Station

West Portal Ave Cell Phone Store Burglary Suspects Arrested

From SFPD News Press http://sanfranciscopolice.org/article/san-francisco-police-arrest-cell-phone-store-burglary-suspects

On October 22, 2016 at 5:09 AM, three unknown male suspects burglarized a cell phone store on the 200 block of West Portal Avenue in San Francisco and stole a large safe containing numerous cell phones and electronics valued at over $30,000.  Surveillance video shows the suspects wearing masks, hooded sweatshirts, and gloves to conceal their identities.  The suspects placed the safe into a vehicle and fled the area.

San Francisco Police officers from Taraval Station’s plainclothes team immediately began an investigation, which led to the identity of one of the suspects and another vehicle used in the burglary.

On November 3, 2016 at 01:45 AM, SFPD Patrol Bureau Task Force (PBTF) conducted surveillance on one of the suspect vehicles.  PBTF officers followed five suspects to a cell phone store located on the 1100 block of Pitt School Road in the City of Dixon, CA.  The PBTF officers then observed the suspects force open the back door of the cell phone store and steal a safe containing numerous cell phones totaling over $40,000.  Surveillance video captured footage of the burglary, which shows the suspects wearing masks and gloves to conceal their identities.  The suspects placed the safe into their vehicle and fled.

One team of PBTF officers followed one of the suspect vehicles and, with the assistance of the California Highway Patrol, a traffic stop was conducted. Taken into custody were 33 year-old Layne Bishop (on Probation in Alameda County for Threats to a Police Officer), 36 year-old Duane Bishop, and 36 year-old William Owens (on Probation in LA County for Reckless Driving), all are residents of Oakland, CA.

Other members of Patrol Bureau Task Force followed the second suspect vehicle and subsequently arrested 24 year-old Christian Bishop (on Probation in Santa Clara County for Burglary) and 32 year-old Alvin Chambers (on Probation in Alameda County for Burglary), both are residents of Oakland, CA.

All the suspects were booked in Solano County Jail on charges of Burglary, Grand Theft, Conspiracy, and Possession of Burglary Tools.

On November 11, 2016 at 7:00 AM, Taraval plainclothes officers and the Taraval Station Investigations Team executed search warrants in Oakland, CA in relation to the investigation.  Located and seized were approximately $105,500.00 in U.S. currency, all in $100 denominations, along with several stolen cell phones and various other electronics totaling over $25,000.  A sixth suspect believed to be part of the burglary remains outstanding.  Due to a pending arrest warrant, this subject’s photo is not available.

While arrests have been made, this is still an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the SFPD Anonymous Tip Line (415) 575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD.