Police: Woman Suspected of Stealing Teenager's iPad ID'd, Arrested

A woman accused of stealing a teenager’s iPad while he ate with his family at a Mexican restaurant in Murrieta has been identified and arrested on suspicion of theft, a police sergeant confirmed Tuesday.

Following a story and surveillance photos published on Patch sites in southwest Riverside County, Murrieta police Sgt. Robert Anderson said the department “received numerous calls and emails” identifying the suspect as Wendy Sue Sailer, 46, Murrieta.

Police believe Sailer is the blond woman captured on surveillance footage—at about 4:38 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24 at Los Jilbertos, 25021 Madison Ave.—whom saw the iPad at the restaurant’s self-serve drink station, then quietly slipped the gadget into her purse as the boy and his family searched the restaurant for it.

Anderson said Murrieta police went to Sailer’s home Thursday—Thanksgiving—in an attempt to contact her but she did not answer her door. A detective corporal ultimately arrested Sailer on Friday on suspicion of petty theft, the sergeant said.

Jail booking information regarding Sailer's arrest was not available Tuesday.

The iPad has been returned to the teenager, he said.

“We wish to thank your readers very much for their help in identifying the subject so that we could make a timely arrest and recover the property,” Anderson said. “The family was very grateful.”

Editor’s Note: The outcome of these allegations, as well as the facts, may change as the case progresses through the legal system. Not all details of each investigation are made public. All items are alleged to have occurred. There should be no assumption of guilt.