In a case spanning across Florida, two alleged serial shoplifters were apprehended by the Vero Beach Police Department after a vigilant Best Buy employee recognized them from a previous incident. The suspects, identified as 36-year-old Andrew Caa and 32-year-old Danielle Lorini, were linked to a string of burglaries at Best Buy stores throughout the state, accumulating an estimated $15,000 worth of stolen merchandise.
The incident unfolded when an officer responded to a call at the Vero Beach Best Buy, where the employee reported the suspects attempting to steal merchandise. The officer arrived as one of the suspects, later identified as Caa, was leaving the store.
A police officer approaching a suspect outside a Best Buy store.
Caa attempted to evade the officer, prompting a brief foot chase. Despite his efforts, he was apprehended shortly after discarding a pair of wireless headphones, later confirmed to be stolen from the store.
A police officer securing a suspect in handcuffs on the sidewalk.
Meanwhile, Lorini was found waiting in a nearby vehicle. She initially denied involvement in the theft, claiming she was unaware of Caa’s actions. However, her story quickly unraveled under questioning.
A police officer talking to a suspect in a car.
Further investigation revealed a trove of incriminating evidence inside the vehicle, including drugs and drug paraphernalia. Additionally, officers discovered two notebooks filled with detailed notes about products, store names, prices, and even marked as “sold” or “pending,” suggesting a larger organized retail theft operation.
A police officer inspecting the contents of a notebook.
As the interrogation continued, both Caa and Lorini admitted to their roles in the Best Buy thefts. Lorini confessed to her involvement in previous incidents and revealed that they stole to fund their drug addiction.
A police officer escorting a handcuffed suspect.
Following their arrest, Caa was charged with resisting arrest, grand theft, two counts of petit theft, and multiple drug charges. However, court records indicate that some charges were later dropped, leaving him facing resisting arrest and one count of petit theft. Lorini was booked for grand theft, and further investigation revealed her connection to another case in Miami, where the duo allegedly stole nearly $20,000 worth of merchandise from another electronics store in January.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and cooperation between retail establishments and law enforcement in combating organized retail crime. The apprehension of these suspects highlights the effectiveness of proactive measures in identifying and apprehending criminals involved in these types of crimes.
