‘Large mob’ storms into closed South Florida Walmart, police say

A “large mob” ransacked a Walmart Sunday night, stole thousands of dollars of merchandise and caused thousands of dollars of damage, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. Eight people were later arrested, including three minors.

Items found stolen included two smart TVs, a movie projector, a turntable, a speaker and a gaming mouse pad, according to a police report. Doors, locks, merchandise displays and demo electronics were also damaged at the Walmart at 6294 Forest Hill Blvd. near the suburban city of Greenacres.

The value of the merchandise stolen and recovered was $2,531,73, plus damages.

“There was a large mob of looters that burglarized the closed Walmart by forcing the front door open with a pry bar and a lug wrench,” according to the police report. “The looters then ransacked the store and attempted to leave with several pieces of stolen merchandise.”

The store was closed at about 11:30 p.m. when they broke in. A store security guard told Walmart employees to lock themselves in the cash office.

The death of George Floyd has sparked protests around the country. Some of the protests have turned violent, pitting law enforcement against civilians. Looting has been tied to these demonstrations, but South Florida protests have largely been peaceful.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office wrote on Facebook that these eight suspects were looting and are now seeing the “consequences” of their actions. However the police report does not indicate that they were part of any protest.

The theft occurred hours after peaceful protests in the county. About 100 people remained and incited violence, according to the West Palm Beach Police Department.

Those arrested were:

▪ Aaron Burgess, 36 of Riviera Beach, was charged with burglary of an occupied structure and grand theft. He is held on a $41,000 bond.

▪ Juan Castellon, 19, of West Palm Beach, was charged with burglary of occupied structure, grand theft and possession of burglary tools. He is held on a $17,000 bond.

▪ Bobby Jones, 27, of Riviera Beach, was charged burglary of an occupied structure and grand theft. He is held on a $16,000 bond.

▪ Brenton Johnson, 19, of Riviera Beach, was charged with burglary of an occupied structure, grand theft and resisting without violence because he fled the scene and was later found in Lake Worth. He is held on a $51,000 bond.

▪ A police report for De’andre Mosely, 22, was not immediately available.

Three minors were also arrested.

This story was originally published June 3, 2020 at 6:00 AM.