LOS ANGELES – Police are hunting for a man in his 40s thought to be behind the alleged theft of thousands of dollars in valuables and cash from members of an Israeli basketball team at Staples Center arena.
Lt. Paul Vernon said the Hispanic suspect, who may have tried to disguise himself as an employee, was spotted by one of the ball boys in the Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv dressing room Tuesday night.
Police also described the man as wearing a suit and carrying a clipboard and having a credential badge hanging out of his pocket.
The 10 players lost a total of $22,000 in belongings in the theft which was discovered at halftime of Maccabi’s 108-96 loss to the National Basketball Association’s Los Angeles Clippers. The valuables included watches, jewelry and $15,000 dollars in cash.
Police said they have video of the suspect which they hope to be able to enhance and then release to the public Monday. (AP)