12-year-old among gang of thieves charged in San Francisco robberies totaling over $84,000

Authorities have arrested a gang of eight juveniles accused of committing a series of robberies in San Francisco, stealing more than $84,000 worth of merchandise in smash-and-grabs.The group's members, identified by the San Francisco PD, includean 18-year-old, three 14-year-olds, three 15-year-olds, and a 12-year-old. The suspect's names will not be released to the public because they're minors, except for the 18-year-old who has been identified as Brandon McClain.

The San Francisco Police Department's Burglary and Organized Crime Unit said it first became aware of an organized retail theft pattern on Sept. 23, when a group robbed a Walgreens and assaulted an employee in the process. The incident mirrored several prior incidents that first began in August, where the juvenile punks primarily targeted pharmacies, police said.



On Sept. 29, members of the group allegedly stole $15,000 worth of goods from a Castro Street business. The Chronicle reported that the crew returned for another raid a few hours later and stole an additional $12,000 worth of merchandise. Officials said the gang is connected to several high-profile incidents, as well.

In a separate incident on Sept. 9, police said one of the 14-year-old defendants pulled out a gun and flashed it at a store security guard at a store on Mission Street while other members stole the cash register. That defendant was arrested on assault with a deadly weapon charge. On Nov. 5, authorities said a 15-year-old and an 18-year-old were responsible for a carjacking. The 12-year-old suspect faces several charges including three counts of second-degree robbery, seven counts of second-degree burglary, seven counts of grand theft, ten counts of organized retail theft, four counts of petty theft, and assault likely to cause great bodily injury, according to police.

McClain has been charged with four counts of second-degree burglary, four counts of grand theft, and four counts of organized retail theft. He has been booked into jail without bond, the Chronicle reported.