> At a Glance
> – Two suspects tried to swipe $100,000 in luxury bags from an Irvine store
> – Security spotted them on camera and alerted police
> – A Costa Mesa PD drone helped track them down minutes later
> – Why it matters: High-end retail theft is rising across Southern California, and this rapid response shows how tech and teamwork can stop big losses
A would-be smash-and-grab turned into a quick takedown Monday after Irvine officers, guided by a drone, arrested two men accused of stealing designer handbags worth six figures.
How the Heist Unfolded
The pair entered the store near Jamboree Road and Dupont Drive and allegedly grabbed armfuls of luxury purses. Surveillance cameras broadcast the scene live to security staff, who immediately phoned police.
Officers flooded the area. Within minutes, a Costa Mesa Police drone pinpointed the suspects nearby, leading to their arrest without incident.
Who Was Arrested
| Suspect | Age | Hometown | Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richard Bernard Spencer | 40 | Los Angeles | burglary, grand theft, conspiracy, vandalism, resisting arrest |
| Marcellus Ronell Shelby | 30 | Hollywood | same five counts |
Both men were booked into Orange County Jail and are being held on multiple felonies.
Key Takeaways
- $100,000 in handbags were recovered, preventing a major loss for the retailer
- Real-time camera monitoring and drone tech enabled a rapid arrest
- The joint effort between Irvine and Costa Mesa police highlights regional cooperation
- Both suspects face five serious charges each and remain in custody
Retailers across Orange County are praising the quick coordination that kept high-value inventory from disappearing.
