A San Pedro woman caught on video stealing an iPhone from a supermarket check stand counter admitted to a detective Tuesday that it was her, crying, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry," police said.
Maria Veronica Gonzalez, 45, was identified by a woman who saw the video on the Facebook page South Bay Crime and Courts and relayed her suspicion to police through the Daily Breeze reporter who administers the page.
Los Angeles police Detective Don Eldridge said he called Gonzalez, asked her to come to the station and showed her the video.
"She admitted it," he said. "She said, 'I'm sorry, I'm sorry.' ... She said she gave the phone to a friend and she's going to get it back."
Eldridge released the video surveillance tape showing the crime to the Daily Breeze last week with the hope someone could identify the woman. Although the theft was not a major crime, it was captured clearly on video.
The tipster, a follower of the crime page, said in an interview that she recognized the woman from the video.
The crime occurred May 13 after a 45-year-old San Pedro woman left her cellphone on the check stand at Numero Uno Supermarket at Fifth Street and Pacific Avenue.
Moments later, a woman in a red top with a tattoo on the back of her right shoulder walked to the check stand to buy her groceries, saw the phone and picked it up. She appeared for a moment to consider turning it in, but instead walked over to a male companion and gave it to him.
The woman and her companion completed her purchase "" a tub of Neapolitan ice cream, green onions, strawberry juice bars, steak picado and coffee "" walked to a green Kia Soul parked in a handicapped space, and drove away. Neither the woman nor companion appeared to be disabled.
Eldridge said he asked Gonzalez if she was disabled and was told her grandmother was. Eldridge said he reminded Gonzalez the handicapped space is only for the disabled.
Because the crime was a misdemeanor, Gonzalez was not arrested. Eldridge will file his reports with the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office for charges and Gonzalez will be given a court date. In addition to any criminal penalties, Gonzalez could be required to pay restitution to the victim even if the phone is returned. The victim had to purchase a new phone, Eldridge said.
Eldridge called the theft a "straight crime of opportunity." He thanked the public for helping to solve the case.
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