Rancho Mirage, CA – A California man has been arrested after allegedly stealing $100,000 worth of surgical equipment and skin grafts from several hospitals in the Riverside County area. Authorities say the man used hospital scrubs and masks to gain access to restricted areas while posing as medical staff.
Suspect Targeted Multiple Hospitals
According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, 47-year-old Jason Brauner allegedly committed the thefts during June and July, wearing blue scrubs and a surgical mask to “avoid detection.” Police were first alerted to the string of burglaries on July 9, when a hospital on Bob Hope Drive in Rancho Mirage reported missing medical equipment.
After investigating the initial theft, authorities linked Brauner to three additional incidents at hospitals in surrounding areas, confirming a pattern of theft targeting valuable surgical supplies.
Arrest and Recovery of Stolen Equipment
On August 6, law enforcement tracked Brauner’s vehicle heading south toward San Diego. Deputies from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop, during which Brauner complied without incident. Police then discovered stolen medical equipment and hospital apparel inside his vehicle.
A subsequent search of Brauner’s home in San Jacinto uncovered additional stolen medical supplies valued at $10,000 and $25,000, further implicating him in the thefts.
Charges and Court Appearance
Brauner has been booked into the John Benoit Detention Center on multiple counts, including:
- Four counts of grand theft
- Three counts of burglary
- One count of possession of stolen property
He was released on August 9 after posting a $100,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court this Friday. Police are also investigating possible connections to other hospital thefts throughout California…