SFPD Uses New Technology to Assist in Organized Retail Theft Arrest 24-133

Officers recover merchandise stolen from Walgreens

San Francisco police officers used new mobile security units, public safety cameras, and a drone to assist in arresting a suspect accused in the theft of more than $2,500 in merchandise from a Walgreens store in the city's Southern District, Chief Bill Scott announced Monday.

The incident happened shortly after 12 PM on Wednesday when SFPD officers responded to the Walgreens location on the 400 block of Mission Street where two subjects had stuffed numerous items into their backpacks and fled.

Officers collected surveillance footage of the suspects from the store and shared the images internally.

Using newly obtained mobile security units from LiveView Technologies and public safety cameras at 24th and Mission streets, officers spotted a person matching the description of one of the suspects attempting to sell the stolen merchandise.

SFPD deployed a drone while patrol officers in the area pursued the suspect on foot. Officers successfully detained and arrested 23-year-old Taji Muhammed and booked him in county jail on charges of second-degree burglary, grand theft, organized retail theft, and resisting arrest.
Officers recovered a large amount of the stolen property and returned it to the business.

"I want to thank our hard-working officers who are using technology to make important arrests," Chief Scott said. "We are sending a message that these crimes will not be tolerated in San Francisco. We also have new tools thanks to Proposition E that gives us the upper hand in these cases."

The arrest happened one day after SFPD officers arrested 13 suspects in pre-planned retail theft abatement operations at Walgreens on Castro Street and Potrero Avenue. In those cases, officers recovered $1,600 in stolen merchandise and returned it to the business. Any business that would like to participate in an Organized Retail Crime operation can contact [email protected].

Although an arrest has been made, this is an open and active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the SFPD at 1-415-575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD.

SFPD Case: 240-681-353