Police arrest man for stealing phones outside secure Capitol facility

WASHINGTON — Police last month arrested a man who fled a public visit to the Capitol and is accused of stealing six phones, a smartwatch and headphones from the building, authorities said Thursday.

After becoming separated from his tour group, David Octavius ​​​​​Daffin, 36, walked to a secure facility on Capitol Hill and stole the items, which had been left in open storage without locks outside the facility, State Police alleged. US Capitol.

Police said they arrested Daffin less than 45 minutes later when he “attempted to flee in a vehicle.” The stolen items were returned and lockable boxes were placed in the hallway since the robbery, police said.

Police said they found no evidence to suggest Daffin was involved in a larger conspiracy; instead, they said they believe he tripped over his belongings.

“Fortunately, our rapid response team (officers on bicycles) and officers from our Special Operations Division arrested Daffin before he could flee and quickly returned the team’s items,” Capitol Police said in a statement.

Daffin could not be reached for comment Thursday evening.

The incident, which occurred on June 17, led to just one of Daffin’s arrests on Capitol grounds. On June 12, he illegally entered a congressional staffer’s vehicle and was arrested, police said.

Daffin was released from jail after the phone theft, but returned to the Capitol on Saturday when he was arrested for returning to Capitol grounds. As part of the conditions for his release from prison, Daffin was banned from returning to the Capitol, police said.

On a crime summary of an incident that aligns with the description of the arrest on Saturday, police described a person approaching an officer at the Senate door at the Capitol.

“The suspect stated that he was aware of the stay-away order and should not have been on Capitol grounds,” the summary of the crime said.

Daffin is in jail facing charges of theft, unauthorized use of a vehicle, illegal entry of a motor vehicle and receiving stolen property.

“Our officers are working 24 hours a day to stop criminals returning to the streets as we patrol 570 acres and millions of square feet – many of which are not only open to the public, but also packed every day with employees, tourists, people trying illegally protesting and visitors,” Capitol Police said in Thursday’s statement.

This article was originally published in NBCNews. with