Suspicious Vehicle Nabs Apple theft Ring

A report of suspicious vehicle leads police and investigators to months long Apple Computer Store theft ring.

     Beginning of June of 2015, the Burglary Suppression Unit of the Palm Desert Station and the La Quinta Special Enforcement Team began investigating a series of vehicle break-in's.  Thieves were stalking the Apple Computer store in Palm Desert, and neighboring cities, following customers when they left the store. When the customers left their vehicle unattended, they would break in and steal only the Apple Computers, from the vehicle.

     From June to November of 2015, more than 13 incidents were reported, estimating, $40,000 in property loss $5,000 in vehicle damages. 

     At 2:50 in the after noon on November 11th of 2015, the La Quinta Special Enforcement Team and the Palm Desert Burglary Suppression Unit, investigated a report of suspicious vehicle near El Paseo and San Luis Rey Ave, Palm Desert. A 2014 white Nissan Altima with tinted windows and paper dealer plates was located with a Apple computer in the vehicle. The particular Apple computer was reported stolen a hour earlier from the city of La Quinta. 

     It was determined that, Mariio Otalora and a second suspect had followed the victim after they left the computer store in palm desert, broke into the victims vehicle and stolen the recently purchased computer. 

     Mariio Otalora is 25 years old and a resident of Gardena CA. Mariio was booked into the Indio branch Riverside County Jail on 13 charges of conspiracy, burglary, and violation of probation. 

Mariio Otalora ALA15315004e1

     The second suspect is at large and is discribed as a adult male Hispanic weighing about 170lbs, stands approxamatley 5 feet 8 inchs tall with minimal facial hair. He is believed to be between the age of 20 to 25 years old. 

Anyone with Information about this case is asked to call Deputy Patrick at the Palm Desert Sheriff's Station at (760) 836-1688, or they can call in anonymously at (760) 341-STOP (7867).

Citizens may also submit a tip using the Sheriff's CrimeTips online form.

Riverside County Press Release