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A suspect known as the "teddy bear bandit” was arrested last Friday, December 14th.  The suspect got his name after burglarizing the East Bay Flower shop at 1200 E 14th. St. in October.

This incident occurred around 2:00 am on Thursday, October 11th as the thief used a BB style handgun to shoot out the front glass windows to the business. After shattering the glass, the burglar entered the store and stole numerous flowers and stuffed animals. The entire incident was captured on the store's video surveillance system.

Detectives began working the case and received a lead from another police agency that led them to the identity of the suspect, 46 yr old Oakland resident Andre Benny Murphy. During the investigation, some of the stuffed teddy bears were found at a female's home in Alameda. A warrant was issued for Murphy's arrest.

On Friday, December 14th, Murphy was located in Oakland and arrested on the burglary warrant that was issued by an Alameda County judge. Several other law enforcement agencies are also investigating Murphy for similar style burglaries. 

"The case is an example of how law enforcement agencies network together, sharing information to solve cases," said San Leandro Police Lieutenant Isaac Benabou. "We know that the suspect had given the stolen flowers and stuffed animals to a female friend. Now, the teddy bear bandit will have to find other ways to show his affection." 

Murphy remains in custody at Santa Rita Jail in Dublin.