6 arrested for allegedly stealing over $2.6 million worth of items from Southern California eyewear stores

Six suspects were arrested for allegedly stealing over $2.6 million worth of merchandise from high-end sunglass and optical eyewear stores across Southern California.

The suspects were identified as:

• Rasheed Reed, 25, of Compton
• Phillip T. Harris, 37, of Bellflower
• Orlando D. Neal, 37, of Los Angeles

Three juveniles were also arrested, but were not identified due to their minor status, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Between February and July 2025, a “sophisticated burglary crew responsible for a large-scale series of smash-and-grab burglaries” had targeted a string of high-end optical retailers and luxury boutiques throughout Los Angeles and Orange counties.

Detectives said each burglary followed a similar pattern. The suspects typically used a stolen vehicle, often older SUVS or pickup trucks, and would crash through storefronts during the early morning hours.

They entered the business while carrying large laundry baskets or storage bins and would ransack the shop by placing as much eyewear, handbags and other goods into the bins before fleeing the scene in “coordinated convoys of follow-up vehicles,” police said.

The stolen vehicles used to ram through storefronts were often taken from neighborhoods in South L.A. just hours before the burglaries, LAPD said.

In total, investigators said the suspects escaped with approximately $2.68 million in stolen merchandise and caused around $499,000 in property damage.

After reviewing surveillance footage of the break-ins, along with examining forensic evidence and coordinating with other police departments, detectives eventually linked the same vehicles and suspects to multiple crime scenes. 

The ongoing investigation, called “The Shade Snatchers” by LAPD, has led to the identification of at least 10 suspects, including documented gang members and repeat offenders of property crimes. 

Surveillance operations were carried out and authorities eventually arrested the primary suspects which included three adults and three juveniles.

A total of 26 counts of burglary and grand theft were filed, along with additional firearm-related charges, including possession of an assault pistol, felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a silencer. 

Bail amounts ranged from $500,000 to $1,225,000, depending on each suspect’s level of involvement in the alleged crimes. 

“Detectives are actively working to identify additional suspects and other crimes this group may have committed,” LAPD said. “The case is being submitted to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office.”

Anyone with information on the case is urged to call Detective Colin Langsdale at 213-486-6940 or Detective Brandon McConnell at 818-754-8377. The public can also call the LAPD at 1-877-527-3247. Anonymous tips can be provided to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.