Background: Eisenhower Health medical center in Rancho Mirage, Calif. (Google Maps). Insets (left to right): Jason Brauner in his mug shot and hospital surveillance video (Riverside County Sheriff”s Office).
A California man has been accused of stealing thousands of dollars’ worth of surgical equipment and skin grafts from multiple hospitals.
In a press release posted on Aug. 7, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 47-year-old Jason Brauner, who allegedly stole blue hospital scrubs to “avoid detection” while he lifted “$100,000 worth of surgical equipment and skin grafts” during June and July. Police said they were first tipped off to Brauner’s alleged string of burglaries on July 9, when a hospital located on Bob Hope Drive in Rancho Mirage, California, called authorities over stolen medical equipment.
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After an investigation into the July 9 theft report, police identified Brauner as their suspect and soon linked him to three separate incidents at other hospitals in the surrounding area. Police said that Brauner dressed in blue scrubs and a surgical mask and “gained access to restricted areas of the facility while dressed as hospital staff.”
On Aug. 6, police tracked down Brauner’s vehicle while it was heading south toward San Diego. San Diego County Sheriff’s Office deputies pulled Brauner over, and he complied without incident. While he was detained, police searched his vehicle and allegedly found the “stolen medical equipment and stolen hospital apparel.”
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A search of Brauner’s home in San Jacinto led to the discovery of $10,000 and $25,000 worth of more stolen medical supplies, police said.
Police believe that Brauner may be connected to other similar theft cases targeting hospitals in California.
Brauner was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center after being charged with four counts of grand theft, three counts of burglary, and one count of possession of stolen property. He was released on Aug. 9 after posting $100,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Friday.
