TLDR:
- Two California teenagers posed as delivery drivers to execute a $66 million cryptocurrency heist.
- Suspects were allegedly extorted by individuals known as ‘Red’ and ‘8’ to carry out the robbery.
- Police arrested both teens in a shopping center parking lot shortly after the violent incident.
- A 3D-printed gun was found in suspects’ possession, though it contained no ammunition at all.
Two California teenagers face multiple felony charges after a targeted home invasion in Scottsdale that authorities say was motivated by cryptocurrency theft.
Jackson Sullivan and Skylar Lapaille allegedly posed as delivery drivers to gain entry into a residence near Cactus Road and Loop 101 on January 31.
The suspects restrained two adults with duct tape and assaulted them while searching for $66 million in digital assets. Police arrested both individuals shortly after they fled the scene.
Delivery Disguise Used in Violent Break-In
The teenagers arrived at the Scottsdale home dressed as package delivery workers Saturday morning. Court documents reveal they forced their way inside after gaining initial access through the disguise.
Once inside, Sullivan and Lapaille used duct tape to restrain two adult victims. The pair then assaulted the homeowners during their search for cryptocurrency holdings.
Investigators believe the suspects were extorted into carrying out the crime. Two individuals known only as “Red” and “8” allegedly orchestrated the plot from a distance.
The teenagers had reportedly met recently before traveling from California with $1,000. Those funds were intended for purchasing supplies including disguises and restraining devices.
One victim denied possessing the cryptocurrency, which led to further violence. An adult son present in another room managed to contact authorities during the incident. Officers responded quickly to the emergency call and arrived while the suspects were still in the area.
The teenagers attempted to flee when police arrived at the scene. However, law enforcement successfully tracked and apprehended both suspects in a nearby shopping center parking lot.
Officers found them in possession of a blue Subaru vehicle that matched witness descriptions.
Swift Police Response Brings Community Relief
Authorities discovered a 3D-printed gun during the arrest, though it contained no ammunition. Police have not yet determined whether the weapon was functional.
The suspects now face charges including burglary, aggravated assault, and kidnapping. All charges carry felony-level penalties under Arizona law.
Local resident Ari Parker witnessed part of the police operation without initially understanding the connection. He had noticed a blue vehicle driving through the neighborhood earlier that morning.
Parker later saw what he thought was a drug-related arrest at a shopping center. “The trunk was open, there were supervisory police vehicles there, and I thought, ‘Oh wow, that person’s screwed,’” Parker said. “I had no idea that they were connected to the crime that happened here.”
Police confirmed the vehicle captured on Parker’s Ring camera matched the one used in the crime. “The police work was really impressive,” Parker said.
“They were pounding the pavement, doing real gumshoe police detective work, knocking on doors, letting neighbors know what was happening.” He noted the incident was eye-opening given how evidence was pieced together.
Neighbors expressed shock at the incident but relief over the quick resolution. “Many of them have lived here for 15, 20 years and mentioned this is the first time they remember something like this happening,” Parker said.
“So it actually brought the neighborhood together in a way.” The case demonstrates a growing trend of criminals targeting individuals for cryptocurrency holdings.
