Man faces 13 counts of burglary after tailing victims from Apple Store

A 25-year-old man from Gardena is facing 13 counts of burglary after being accused of following victims from the Apple Store in Palm Desert so he could break into their vehicles and steal their new computers.

The Palm Desert Burglary Suppression Unit began investigating the incident on June 3 after multiple victims reported having their new Apple electronics stolen from their cars.

Officers said Mario Otalora, and another suspect who’s still on the run, were breaking into vehicles after the victims parked at other stores to continue shopping.

The Apple computers were the only things taken during the vehicle break-ins. Police said the crimes occurred in neighboring cities.

On Wednesday, November 11, someone reported a suspicious vehicle around 3 p.m. near El Paseo and San Luis Rey Avenue, giving police their first solid lead in the five-month-long investigation.

Officers responded and found Otalora in a Nissan Altima with dealership paper plates. They also found a stolen Apple computer that was taken one hour earlier during a vehicle burglary in La Quinta.

The investigation revealed Otalora and the other suspect stole the computer after following the victim from the Apple Store on El Paseo. According to police, the second suspect is still on the loose. He’s described as a Hispanic man, 20 to 25 years old, 5’8″, 170 lbs. with minimal facial hair.

The burglary spree has caused an estimated property loss of $40,000 with an additional vehicle damage loss of $5,000, according to the release.

Officers said Otalora was arrested for 13 counts of burglary, conspiracy and for violating probation. He was booked into the Riverside County Jail in Indio

Anyone with information about the second suspect is asked to call Deputy Patrick with the Palm Desert Station at 760 836-1688. You can also report an anonymous tip to Valley Crime Stoppers at 760 341-7867.