Man Arrested After Being Locked Inside Cellphone Repair Shop During Theft Attempt
A 22-year-old man was arrested after he was caught inside a cellphone repair shop that he allegedly tried to rob in Antipolo City, Rizal.
The suspect ended up trapped inside the store when the owner quickly locked the entrance, preventing him from escaping. The incident happened at around 8 p.m. on July 1, 2026, in Barangay San Isidro.
CCTV footage showed the man entering the cellphone repair shop while the owner was just outside the establishment.
According to the shop owner, it only took a few moments before he noticed something suspicious and decided to check inside the store. When he entered, he found the suspect already inside and allegedly attempting to take valuable gadgets. The owner locked the shop and prevented the man from leaving.
Authorities said the suspect had already taken two mobile phones and was also targeting a laptop. Investigators believe he may have returned the laptop after initially grabbing the phones, which gave the owner enough time to corner him inside the shop.
The gadgets involved in the attempted theft were estimated to be worth more than P100,000. The owner said the suspect later apologized and pleaded to be released, but he chose to report the incident instead of letting the man go.
Personnel from Barangay San Isidro immediately responded and assisted in bringing the suspect to the police station. Further investigation revealed that the man was a resident of Barangay Santa Cruz and was allegedly working with an accomplice during the attempted robbery.
Authorities learned that two individuals had reportedly been seen lingering around the area before the break-in. While the main suspect was caught, his alleged companion managed to escape before authorities arrived.
The arrested man admitted that he was with a friend and claimed they were hoping to earn money by selling the stolen items. He also expressed regret for his actions.
The suspect is now facing theft-related charges, while police continue their search for the second person believed to have been involved in the crime. Authorities said the accomplice has already been identified, and efforts are ongoing to locate and arrest him.
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