URGENT UPDATE: A Riverside County man has been arrested for allegedly stealing over $100,000 worth of skin grafts and surgical equipment from a hospital in Rancho Mirage, California. Authorities confirm that Jason Brauner, 47, gained access to restricted hospital areas while disguised as a staff member during multiple incidents in June and July 2025.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department reports that Brauner wore blue scrubs and a surgical mask to blend in with hospital personnel, allowing him to evade detection while executing his thefts. Over this two-month period, he is accused of stealing valuable medical supplies during three separate incidents.
On Wednesday, deputies from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department located Brauner’s vehicle as he was traveling towards San Diego. They successfully stopped him in Del Mar and detained him without incident. A subsequent search of his vehicle and residence in San Jacinto yielded stolen medical equipment and hospital apparel, leading to his arrest.
Brauner faces multiple charges, including grand theft, commercial burglary, and possession of stolen property, following his booking into the John Benoit Detention Center. Investigators have also linked him to similar thefts at hospitals in Loma Linda and Newport Beach.
This alarming case underscores the vulnerability of medical facilities and the potential risks posed by individuals exploiting these environments. As further investigations unfold, the community remains on alert for the implications of such thefts in critical healthcare settings.
Authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely. The public is urged to report any suspicious activity that could compromise hospital safety. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
