Surveillance video captured a man who allegedly broke into a Boost Mobile cellular store in Pomona, California on Wednesday and whose plan was foiled when he tripped the alarm and became trapped inside the facility’s secured area.
The would-be burglar reportedly broke into an air-conditioning duct, which triggered the alarm. According to local news, including Fox 5 San Diego and KTLA, the store was not yet open to the public and as a result it was not stocked with merchandise.
When the would-be burglar realized this, he tried to escape and entered a hallway that was secured with reinforced steel locking door. He was trapped.
The specialized corridor was reportedly constructed by Miguel Cega, the owner of he Boost Mobile store, after he and his business partners lost thousands of dollars worth of merchandize due to burglaries at other stores.
The suspect reportedly tried escaping for 45 minutes. He was only set free once police arrived on the scene, arrested him and booked him into custody.
The video shows him kicking one of the doors and attempting to break through another door using tools.
Ceja told KTLA that when “that door shuts, you’re done….You’re not getting out.”
Follow Adelle Nazarian on Twitter @AdelleNaz and on Facebook.