A California man is facing a string of felony charges after allegedly pulling off a bizarre and costly crime spree — dressed in blue hospital scrubs.
In a press release issued on Aug. 7, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 47-year-old Jason Brauner, who allegedly stole “$100,000 worth of surgical equipment and skin grafts” from multiple hospitals over the course of June and July, according to Law & Crime.
Police say Brauner went to shocking lengths to blend in — stealing blue scrubs and donning a surgical mask to “avoid detection” as he infiltrated restricted hospital areas posing as a legitimate staff member.
The bizarre scheme unraveled on July 9, when a hospital on Bob Hope Drive in Rancho Mirage reported missing medical equipment. That single call led to an investigation that linked Brauner to at least three other incidents in neighboring hospitals, all with the same modus operandi: enter dressed as hospital personnel, access restricted zones, and walk out with high-value gear.
According to investigators, Brauner “gained access to restricted areas of the facility while dressed as hospital staff.”
His alleged run came to an end on Aug. 6, when San Diego County Sheriff’s Office deputies pulled him over as he drove south toward San Diego. Police say Brauner complied without incident — but a search of his vehicle allegedly turned up “stolen medical equipment and stolen hospital apparel.”
That was just the beginning.
Officers then searched Brauner’s home in San Jacinto, where they found an additional $10,000 to $25,000 worth of stolen medical supplies, according to the sheriff’s office.
Authorities now suspect Brauner may be connected to other unsolved thefts targeting hospitals throughout California.
Brauner was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center and charged with four counts of grand theft, three counts of burglary, and one count of possession of stolen property. He posted $100,000 bond and was released on Aug. 9. His next court appearance is scheduled for Friday.
