Los Gatos Weekly-Times

News

Apple employee tips police so that an arrest can be made

By Judy Peterson

A quick thinking employee at the Los Gatos Apple Store is credited with helping police arrest two men who are suspected of using a fraudulent credit card to purchase a vast array of electronics.

Los Gatos-Monte Sereno police Cpl. Michael D'Antonio says that on Dec. 18 an Apple employee reported a bad credit card had been used to purchase two iPhones and a laptop computer. He told police he saw the suspects get into a silver Chevrolet.

Detective Kathy Mann and Officer David Nylander tracked the car to Main Street. Mann and Nylander searched the vehicle and found the items that were allegedly purchased in Los Gatos, plus much, much more. Speakers, two other laptops, memory sticks, a camera, iPods and DVDs led police to believe the pair had been hitting other Apple stores in Northern California.

They arrested 33-year-old Dennis Deleon and 34-year-old Derrick Thompson. Both are from San Bernardino County. They have been charged with conspiracy, burglary, possession of stolen property and fraudulent use of a credit card.

D'Antonio called the case "a great example of community policing. When we get calls in a timely manner, we can respond and investigate," he said.