URGENT UPDATE: A man has been arrested for allegedly stealing over $100,000 in skin grafts and surgical supplies from a hospital in Rancho Mirage, California. Authorities confirm that Jason Brauner, 47, gained unauthorized access to restricted areas while impersonating hospital personnel.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department reports that Brauner executed this scheme over three separate incidents in June and July 2025. Dressed in blue scrubs and a surgical mask, he successfully blended in with hospital staff to avoid detection and steal the valuable medical equipment.
On Wednesday, deputies from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office located Brauner’s vehicle while he was en route to San Diego. They stopped him in Del Mar and detained him without incident. A subsequent search of his vehicle and home in San Jacinto uncovered not only the stolen medical equipment but also hospital apparel.
Brauner faces multiple charges, including grand theft, commercial burglary, and possession of stolen property. He is also under investigation for similar thefts occurring at hospitals in Loma Linda and Newport Beach.
The shocking theft raises serious concerns about hospital security and the potential risks posed to patient safety. With medical supplies being crucial for surgeries and treatment, the implications of such theft are far-reaching, impacting both hospital operations and patient care.
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information about Brauner’s activities or similar incidents to come forward. As this story develops, the community remains on high alert regarding the safety of medical facilities.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as more details emerge.
