Laptop Stolen From Priest: 2 Arrests

LAMORINDA, CA — Moraga, Orinda and Lafayette Police, with an assist from a drone, a CHP helicopter and a Concord K-9 team, combined to arrest two suspects who allegedly stole a laptop computer from a priest at St. Mary's College. A third suspect got away. Antioch residents Deonta Lee, 25, and Javaries Johnson, 22, were booked into the Contra Costa Jail in Martinez on charges of grand theft, probation violation and possession of stolen property.

Moraga Police were notified of the theft Wednesday at 10:45 a.m. They were informed that two suspects had entered a classroom, and while one distracted the priest, the other stole the laptop. The pair took off in a black Jeep that was waiting for them.

According to Moraga Police, "An Orinda PD officer spotted the Jeep being driven on Moraga Way, towards the freeway, and stopped the Jeep near Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church. Two of the occupants jumped out of the Jeep and fled into the neighborhood above the church. The third suspect was taken into custody at the vehicle."

Officers from all three departments, along with the helicopter, Lafayette PD drone and the K-9 team searched the area. One of the two suspects was later arrested behind the church.

The priest got his laptop back.

"The Moraga Police want to thank a number of witnesses who came forward and provided critical information about the incident," the department reports. If you have any information, call Detective Kevin Mooney at 925-888-7056.

East Bay communities has been plagued by laptop thefts from coffee shops in recent months. This is the first reported theft from a priest in a classroom.

-Image via Renee Schiavone, Patch