A string of grand theft incidents at Santa Anita Park during the Sept. 28 California Crown reportedly involved the theft of a watch owned by Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler. The watch was said to be worth $100,000.
The inaugural California Crown was a highly anticipated event featuring top-class Thoroughbred racing, musical entertainment throughout and after the 10-race card, and food promotions. Santa Anita reported a crowd of 21,812.
According to a statement released by the Arcadia Police Department Oct. 8, initial investigations point to three victims being targeted by "different, organized groups of people whose sole purpose was to steal high-end watches through distractions and utilizing the large crowds at the event to create confusion."
Grand Theft Investigation - Incident occurred on 9/28/24 @ Santa Anita Park - Anyone with information may contact the ArcadiaPD at (626) 574-5151, case numbers 2404104, 2404106, & 2404109. To provide information anonymously, call "Crime Stoppers" at (800) 222-TIPS (8477). pic.twitter.com/xqP7xTFM9z
— Arcadia PD (@ArcadiaPD) October 8, 2024
One victim was encircled by a group of unknown suspects, limiting their movement and creating confusion while walking through a large crowd. A suspect removed the victim's watch in the confusion before the group of suspects dispersed. The victim noticed their watch was stolen and reported the incident to Santa Anita Park security. The victim was not threatened at any time.
A second victim had their watch removed while moving through a large crowd, not noticing until several hours later, when they reported the incident to track security.
A third victim noticed when one suspect attempted to remove his watch as another was attempting to embrace the victim. He confronted the suspects, who immediately left the area. Santa Anita Park security and nearby Arcadia Police officers located one of the suspects, 24-year-old Camilo Nino-Hernandez of Los Angeles, and took him into custody. In addition to grand theft, Nino-Hernandez was charged with being in possession of a fraudulent social security card.
Per department policy, Arcadia police did not reveal the identity of any victims. Buehler's involvement as a victim was confirmed through a statement shared by Excel Sports Management, which represents Buehler, to Yahoo Sports' Russell Dorsey.
Buehler made his final regular-season start for the Dodgers against the San Diego Padres Sept. 26, pitching five innings in their 7-2 victory. Buehler did not travel with the team to Colorado for their final series before the playoffs as he was not scheduled to pitch.
A native of Lexington, the 30-year-old Buehler has been a longtime racing fan and even owned a small share, through MyRacehorse, of 2020 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner and Horse of the Year Authentic . On his day off, he attended the California Crown with his wife, McKenzie.
According to the statement, Buehler was unknowingly the victim of a "snatch and grab robbery" while the couple walked from the paddock to their seats.
"We are grateful Walker and McKenzie were not harmed and Walker is focused on the playoffs," the statement read.
Following reports last night of Dodgers RHP Walker Buehler being robbed, his agency @excel_baseball, has released the following statement on the incident.
— Russell Dorsey (@Russ_Dorsey1) October 8, 2024
“Following Walker’s final regular season start on September 27th, he and a number of other players did not travel to…
Buehler makes a critical start for the Dodgers against the Padres Oct. 8 in the National League Division Series, a best-of-5 series currently tied one game apiece.
A spokesperson from Santa Anita told the Paulick Report: "We are fully cooperating with the Arcadia Police Department's investigation."
The cases, numbered 2404104, 2404106, and 2404109, are under investigation. Arcadia Police encourage anyone with information to contact the Arcadia Police Department at (626) 574-5151. To report anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS.
