SCOTTSDALE, AZ — The alarm goes off. It’s just before 6 a.m.
on a chilly January morning. “The burglars are upstairs in the building right now,” the art gallery owner tells the 911 operator. “A burglary, in progress, live.
” What unfolds is worthy of a Hollywood movie. Except it’s happening here in Old Town Scottsdale. Newly released body camera footage shows police rushing to the American Fine Art gallery on January 7, 2024.
It’s so early that it’s still dark outside. The shops are closed and the streets are deserted. A sharp-eyed Scottsdale police officer spots someone running on the roof.
He discharges pepper balls toward the roof. “You’re going to get pepper-balled again,” he yells. In the background, other officers shout commands at the suspect.
It’s unclear to police whether there is more than one suspect. Police keep an eye on the suspect on the roof. Another team prepares to enter the art gallery through the front door.
“Police K-9,” an officer yells into the gallery. “Last warning, if you are in this building you got to surrender now or you’re gonna get bit.” Police sweep into the gallery behind the dog.
But it’s quiet inside. The dark police uniforms are stark to the colorful paintings that cover the walls. “It’s going to be a maze,” one officer remarks, referring to the gallery’s multiple rooms and closets.
The initial search comes up empty. So they head upstairs to the roof where a drone camera is keeping an eye on the .