Scottsdale police arrest suspected art thief after burglary

Newly released body camera footage shows a dramatic police arrest related to an art theft in Scottsdale, Arizona. The incident took place on January 7, 2024, when an art gallery owner called 911 to report a burglary in progress. Police arrived quickly at the American Fine Art gallery, responding to the alarm. They spotted a suspect on the roof and issued warnings while preparing to enter the gallery. An officer, armed with a K-9, shouted commands, but the gallery was initially quiet. Officers then moved to the roof, where they found 32-year-old Harpreet Singh lying face down. Singh claimed he was sleeping on the roof and denied stealing any art. However, police found burglary tools and valuable artwork on the roof, including three Pablo Picassos and two Andy Warhols, valued at about $250,000. Singh was arrested and later indicted on multiple charges, including burglary and theft. After being released on bond with an ankle monitor, he removed it and fled to Las Vegas, prompting additional charges for escape. His history includes another theft of Andy Warhol prints in California just before the Scottsdale incident. He is awaiting trial and could face up to ten years in prison if convicted. His attorney mentioned that the body cam footage may not show the complete context of the events.