Boulder County ‘panda bandits’ surrender

panda costume.jpg

After two-and-a-half months as fugitives, Boulder County’s so-called “panda bandits” have come clean.

Three juveniles, one of whom was dressed in a panda bear costume during the alleged crimes, turned themselves into Boulder County Sheriffs on Monday. They were dubbed the panda bandits because they allegedly committed smash-and-grabs at Safeway fuel stations. 

All three teens were charged with 2nd-degree burglary, a class 4 felony, and two misdemeanors: criminal mischief and theft.

“The juvenile suspects turned themselves into our Juvenile Assessment Center after they, and their parents, were informed about their arrest warrants,” said Boulder Sheriff Sr. Departmental Communications Specialist Carrie Haverford. “They had until Monday to turn themselves in.”

Surveillance camera footage appeared to show the three in the early morning hours of Nov. 2, 2024, breaking the glass of a Superior Safeway station with a rock and making off with cigarettes and vaping products. One was wearing a life-sized panda bear outfit, but the other two were in jeans. 

The group of three allegedly returned on Nov. 10 for a second smash-and-grab at the gas station, which is located at 1603 Coalton Road. This time, none of the burglars were dressed in costume. Video surveillance captured the alleged burglars walking across the store parking lot.

The crimes happened when the fuel station was closed for the night.

The names of the three suspects were not released because they are all minors under 18 years old.

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