Serial Thief Accused of Stealing $46,000 Worth of Equipment During Chiefs vs. Dolphins Playoff Game

As the Miami Dolphins faced off against the Kansas City Chiefs, an unexpected off-field drama unfolded. Amidst the clash, the Dolphins fell victim to a theft, with a variety of their belongings mysteriously vanishing. The Dolphins lost to the Chiefs 26-7 in the Wild Card Round, but they lost more than just the game.

Thankfully the person who allegedly stole the goods has been nabbed. This is actually the second large-scale alleged equipment theft in the NFL in the past six months. In September, a lot of equipment was stolen from the Bears.

Miami Dolphins become victims of theft

John M. Brown, a 30-year-old from Kansas City, has been arrested. Prosecutors allege that Brown stole goods, which include an array of media and football equipment. Five Pelican cases packed with four large aqua-colored equipment cases, media gadgets, football essentials like pads, shoes, three more sizable cases, gloves, cold weather attire, hockey bags containing “cape” coats, and crucial game film. The total value of these items is a whopping $46,376!

The Dolphins’ team quickly realized their belongings were missing as the game came to an end, leading them to immediately contact law enforcement. The case advanced significantly when officers reviewed security videos and identified a pickup truck that seemed linked to the crime. This clue directed them to the home of John M. Brown, where executing a search warrant revealed an unsuccessful effort to dispose of incriminating evidence. Detective Craig Leach of the KCPD reported, “I observed a Miami Dolphins logo and a remnant of what appeared to be the word ‘video’ that had been partially burned.”

Brown’s encounter with this incident was not his first wrongdoing; his criminal record shows previous convictions for felony theft and unlawful tampering. Brown had also been considered a person of interest in multiple theft incidents before this incident occurred during the Wild Card Round. Additionally, a larger heist had taken place in September, adding to the series of events leading up to this situation.

Bears equipment thieves still at large

At Soldier Field, lawn mowers, and other valuable equipment, estimated to be worth around $100,000, were stolen from a parking lot, according to stadium spokesperson Luca Serra. The items, owned by a subcontractor, were taken under the cover of night on September 20. Serra explained that the stolen equipment had been securely placed between a trailer and a fence. In a bold move, the perpetrators dismantled the fence and fled with the costly equipment. Speaking to the Chicago Tribune, Serra emphasized, “They tore out the fence overnight and walked away with $100,000 in equipment.”

Serra was quick to clarify that the incident was unrelated to the Bears’ operations. He assured that the stolen equipment was insured and mentioned that both the stadium authorities and the subcontractor are in consultation with the police to not only apprehend the culprits but also to evaluate measures for enhancing security around the premises.

However, six months later, the robbers are still at large and there is no news of them being arrested.

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