This browser does not support the Video element.
ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Two suspects in a smash-and-grab robbery were caught on camera climbing through broken shards of glass in a window frame at Art of Fades and Sneaker Games, moments after breaking the glass, authorities say.
“I get an alert on my phone saying there's a burglary through ADT,” said Erick Palma, owner of the store. “I notice they're in the store through my app.”
Seconds later, the video shows the same guys running through Erick’s store, arms full of shoe boxes. The men are hopping over his couch then back out the window.
“My heart dropped,” said Erick.
The guys might have gotten away, but a couple of passers-by decided to get involved and began taking pictures. One took pictures from the sidewalk, another from a passing car.
“I was amazed in the middle of traffic doing illegal moves to help another person out he doesn't know, a business he's not affiliated with.”
That driver followed the suspects and took pictures of their license plate number. Police say that led them to one of the two suspects, 43-year-old Jonathan Smith. Detectives arrested him on Wednesday and confiscated some of the loot they say was hidden in his closet.
Orlando Police returned four left shoes on Thursday. The right shoes were still on display in the store.
“Everything they took was pretty much worthless. Each box only had one shoe in it,” Erik explained.
His sneaker shop had only been open two weeks when all this went down. He said he couldn’t be more appreciative to the two strangers who took action.
“I thank them for doing that. It takes a lot of guts and bravery to do that,” said Erick.
The second suspect is still on the run, and there are still four missing Air Jordan shoes.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477).