LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Nebraska tight finish Arik Gilbert is accused of burglarizing a Lincoln vape store.
The Lincoln Police Division stated this occurred at SJ’s Liquor and Vape Store at twenty seventh and O streets simply earlier than 2 a.m. Tuesday.
LPD stated he smashed his manner inside with giant cement chunks.
Officers stated they noticed the 21-year-old heading to the exit whereas carrying a bag filled with vape and smoke merchandise.
They stated the stolen objects totaled greater than $1,672.
Police stated harm to the enterprise was about $650, however proprietor Sadeer “SJ” Ali stated it may value nearer to $2,000 to repair the 2 doorways that had been damaged.
“We’re a small enterprise,” he stated. “We’re a family-owned enterprise, and to be trustworthy, this isn’t one thing that’s simple to be fastened. This enterprise feeds our household, this enterprise feeds my staff. So it simply sucks that this needed to occur ’trigger now everyone is on pause.”
Ali stated this location has been open for 3 months, however he has a number of different vape retailers that he’s been operating for about six years.
He stated he’s handled break-ins earlier than on the different retailers however was nonetheless shocked at how the housebreaking went down.
“I seemed again on the footage, and I seen him going by the entrance door, placing his face on the digital camera,” Ali stated. “After which he took off his shirt and put it on his face, after which got here in like we didn’t simply see his face on the digital camera. Yeah, most likely one of the crucial dumbest thieves that’s on the market.”
Gilbert was charged with housebreaking, a Class IIA felony. He may spend as much as 20 years in jail if convicted.
At a court docket listening to Tuesday afternoon, he stated wished to symbolize himself, however Choose Thomas Zimmerman insisted that he have a public defender.
Zimmerman set Gilbert’s bond at $5,000. He should pay 10% of that, $500, to be launched.
His subsequent court docket look is Sept. 27 at 9 a.m.
Gilbert transferred from Georgia and has been ready on the NCAA to grant him a waiver to play for Nebraska this season.
At a press convention, Husker head coach Matt Rhule stated he’s “unhappy and disenchanted.”
“Throughout camp, he’s had some struggles,” Rhule stated. “He’s working to beat them. Now we have an amazing group of individuals right here making an attempt to assist him, after which clearly final night time occurred.”
