SF Union Square smash-and-grab suspects enter not guilty plea

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Two people pleaded not guilty to charges Wednesday in connection to a San Francisco Union Square luxury store smash-and-grab where nearly $300,000 worth of bags were stolen, according to San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins.

On Oct. 11, San Francisco Police Department investigators said two vehicles were parked outside of the Christian Dior store on 185 Post Street just before 3 a.m. when a third vehicle backed into the metal security gate and doors. After the storefront doors were destroyed, causing $250,000 in damage, at least 10 masked individuals ran into the store and began to take merchandise. In less than a minute, the thieves stole 66 bags valued at more than $290,000.

The suspects fled the area in the three vehicles at a high rate of speed. Police officers attempted a traffic stop, which was unsuccessful, and called off a pursuit due to public safety risks, SFPD said.

One suspect, identified as Denayaha Duree, 23, was arrested on Nov. 13 in connection to the burglary. Another suspect charged in connection to the burglary, Xavier Garcia, 20, was booked into the San Francisco County Jail on Dec. 9, jail records show.

Both suspects pleaded not guilty Wednesday to grand theft, second-degree commercial burglary, vandalism and organized retail theft with intent to sell, the DA’s office said. The smash-and-grab occurred while the two suspects were out of jail on bail.

“To those who think it is ok to come to San Francisco and brazenly ram into a business in the middle of the night and ransack it, you are mistaken,” DA Jenkins said in a statement. “You will be identified, arrested, and prosecuted.”

The suspects’ next court date is Dec. 24 for the preliminary hearing. No bail was set by the court.

Anyone with information in the ongoing investigation is asked to contact the San Francisco Police Department at (415)-575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD.

​SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Two people pleaded not guilty to charges Wednesday in connection to a San Francisco Union Square luxury store smash-and-grab where nearly $300,000 worth of bags were stolen, according to San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. On Oct. 11, San Francisco Police Department investigators said two vehicles were parked outside of the […]