Six suspects have been arrested for stealing more than $2.6 million worth of merchandise from upscale sunglasses and optical stores throughout Southern California.
The suspects were identified as:
- Rasheed Reed, 25, of Compton
- Philip T. Harris, 37, of Bellflower
- Orlando D. Neil, 37, of Los Angeles
Three juveniles were also arrested, but have not been identified due to their underage status, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Between February and July 2025, a “sophisticated burglary crew responsible for a large-scale series of burglaries and thefts” targeted a chain of high-end optical retailers and luxury department stores throughout Los Angeles and Orange counties.
Investigators said each robbery followed a similar pattern. The suspects usually used a stolen vehicle, often old SUVs or pickup trucks, and would crash storefronts during the early morning hours.
Police said they entered the store carrying large laundry baskets or storage boxes, and ransacked the store by placing as many eyeglasses, handbags and other merchandise as possible in the boxes before fleeing the scene in “coordinated convoys of follow-on vehicles.”
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Six suspects were arrested for stealing more than $2.6 million worth of merchandise from upscale sunglasses and optical stores throughout Southern California between February and July 2025. (Los Angeles Police Department) -
Six suspects were arrested for stealing more than $2.6 million worth of merchandise from upscale sunglasses and optical stores throughout Southern California between February and July 2025. (Los Angeles Police Department) -
Six suspects were arrested for stealing more than $2.6 million worth of merchandise from upscale sunglasses and optical stores throughout Southern California between February and July 2025. (Los Angeles Police Department) -
Six suspects were arrested for stealing more than $2.6 million worth of merchandise from upscale sunglasses and optical stores throughout Southern California between February and July 2025. (Los Angeles Police Department) -
Six suspects were arrested for stealing more than $2.6 million worth of merchandise from upscale sunglasses and optical stores throughout Southern California between February and July 2025. (Los Angeles Police Department) -
Six suspects were arrested for stealing more than $2.6 million worth of merchandise from upscale sunglasses and optical stores throughout Southern California between February and July 2025. (Los Angeles Police Department)
Los Angeles police said stolen vehicles used to ram storefronts were often taken from neighborhoods in South Los Angeles just hours before the robberies.
In total, investigators said the suspects got away with approximately $2.68 million in stolen merchandise and caused $499,000 in property damage.
After reviewing surveillance footage of the break-ins, along with examining forensic evidence and coordinating with other police departments, investigators eventually linked the same vehicles and suspects to multiple crime scenes.
The ongoing investigation, which the LAPD has dubbed “The Shade Snatchers,” has led to the identification of at least 10 suspects, including documented gang members and property crime offenders.
Surveillance operations were carried out and the authorities arrested the main suspects, including three adults and three juveniles.
He was charged with a total of 26 counts of burglary and grand larceny, along with additional firearms charges, including possession of an assault pistol, felony 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.
“Investigators are actively working to identify additional suspects and other crimes this group may have committed,” the LAPD said. “The case is being presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.”
Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact 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 submitted to LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.