DANVILLE, CALIFORNIA — Five men aged 23 to 52 were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy and commercial burglary following a break-in at Talkin' Baseball in Danville, California. The incident occurred around 3 a.m. on February 11.
Two masked suspects covered interior light sensors with tape and loaded merchandise onto two e-bikes. One suspect made a fraudulent call reporting a suspicious person across town. The business estimated a loss of $64,343 in Pokemon and football cards, excluding structural damage. Burglars abandoned several boxes and a crowbar near a bakery. Surveillance footage captured suspects retrieving the items at 4:50 a.m. and 5:50 a.m.
Investigators traced the suspects to a Chevrolet registered to a 23-year-old man. Police arrested him on April 9. He was found with stolen merchandise, e-bike batteries, and a $6,000 check.
The lead suspect used a drone to capture aerial footage of the business, visited the location multiple times, and followed the store on Instagram. In communications, the suspect stated, "Bro I've been working this angle for three months casing the place without arousing suspicion. Waiting for the perfect time to strike." He also wrote, "This job is in and out less than 60 seconds I already have the entry point and know how to get in without tripping security systems."
The suspect denied explaining his vehicle's proximity to the store and expressed surprise regarding the stolen merchandise. The Contra Costa District Attorney's office is reviewing case files to determine formal charges.