BSO Busts Organized Crew Behind Multiple Vape Shop Thefts in Tri-County Area

by Ryan Yousefi March 30, 2026

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BSO Busts Organized Crew Behind Multiple Vape Shop Thefts in Tri-County Area 4

Omani N. Prince {BSO}

BSO investigators say an organized crew behind multiple vape shop burglaries across Broward and the tri-county area has been identified, with arrests made following a Tamarac smash-and-grab theft.

According to a Broward County Sheriff’s Office report, investigators say the case centers around a March 5 break-in at My Smoke Stash, located at 6418 North University Drive, where suspects allegedly smashed a front window using a rock before entering the business and stealing merchandise.

Deputies were first dispatched to the store around 4:00 a.m. after an alarm was triggered. When they arrived, they found the glass shattered and evidence of forced entry. Investigators later determined that approximately $15,178 worth of electronic vape products, along with a cash register containing about $105, had been taken.

Detectives say the burglary followed a pattern seen in other recent incidents across the area. According to investigators, multiple vape shop burglaries in Tamarac and nearby cities involved suspects dressed in dark clothing, using smash-and-grab tactics, and fleeing in high-end rental vehicles.

Authorities say video captured two suspects leaving their residence through a window in the early morning hours, carrying large red plastic bins. The same bins were later seen being used during the burglary.

License plate reader data and CCTV footage showed a vehicle arriving at the location, where four individuals exited, broke into the store, and loaded merchandise into the bins before fleeing.

Roughly two hours later, the same vehicle was captured on video losing control and crashing into a grassy area less than two miles from the burglary scene. Two suspects exited the car and attempted to move it, but were unsuccessful, then fled on foot.

Investigators say that shortly after the crash, a third individual arrived, entered the vehicle, and drove it away. That person was later identified as Omani N. Prince, 18, of Tamarac, who was stopped by deputies later that morning while driving the same car.

Detectives later learned the vehicle had been rented through a third-party rental service and was in use at the time of the burglary.

On March 13, two juveniles were taken into custody. During an interview, one of them confessed to his involvement in the burglary and identified Prince as a participant. According to the affidavit, he told investigators that Prince was driving the vehicle at the time of the crash and removed stolen merchandise from the trunk before fleeing the scene.

Authorities allege that Prince played a direct role in the burglary. He is also believed to have been involved in other similar crimes targeting vape shops across the tri-county area.

Prince was arrested and transported to the Broward County Main Jail. Both juveniles in custody were transported to the juvenile detention center. One additional suspect remains at-large.

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Author Profile

Ryan Yousefi

Ryan Yousefi has lived in Coral Springs for over 30 years. He has worked as a writer for multiples outlets over the years, including the Miami New Times where he has covered sports and culture since 2013. He holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Business Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.