Coolkicks Owner Arrested After Police Raid L.A. Sneaker Retailer’s Warehouse During Stolen Goods Investigation

Coolkicks Owner Arrested After Police Raid L.A. Warehouse in Stolen Goods Investigation

The owner of the popular sneaker retailer, Coolkicks, found themselves in hot water recently, as police raided their warehouse in Los Angeles as part of a stolen goods investigation. The raid, which took place on October 2, shed light on a potentially illegal activity taking place at the business, known for its celebrity clientele and limited edition merchandise.

Coolkicks, located on Melrose Avenue in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles, was at the center of the police operation. CEO and co-founder Adeel Shams was one of four individuals detained during the raid, according to reports from local news outlets like Complex and KTLA. Shams, who was reportedly live-streaming an online auction on WhatNot at the time of the raid, expressed surprise at the authorities’ arrival, initially questioning if it was a “swatting” prank.

The situation escalated as Shams was arrested on a felony charge of receiving stolen property valued at over $950, as confirmed by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). Reports from KTLA 5 detailed that Shams was taken into custody along with numerous pairs of Nike shoes. Interestingly, Shams’ interest in sneakers reportedly stemmed from a chance encounter with a box of used Jordans at a yard sale, which he later sold on eBay.

Following his arrest, Shams was released and is set to appear in court on October 23, as indicated by a booking record from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. CoolKicks later issued a statement on Instagram addressing the incident, where they refuted any prior knowledge or suspicion that the purchased merchandise was stolen.

According to Coolkicks’ statement, the LAPD impounded a small batch of Nike sneakers that had been acquired by the retailer within the previous 48 hours, alleging that the items were unlawfully obtained. The company asserted their commitment to integrity and trust in their business dealings, stating that they had acted in good faith with the purchase, believing the products were obtained legitimately. Moreover, they clarified that law enforcement did not accuse the items of being counterfeit and highlighted their dedication to selling authentic, high-quality products.

Despite the unexpected turn of events, Coolkicks maintained their stance on conducting honest business practices and expressed confidence that the truth behind the situation would eventually come to light. The company apologised for any distress or inconvenience caused by the incident and reiterated their dedication to upholding their established principles of integrity and trustworthiness.

As the investigation unfolds, both Coolkicks and the LAPD have been tight-lipped regarding the specifics of the case. Requests for comments from the involved parties have yet to be addressed. It remains to be seen how this development will impact the reputation and operations of Coolkicks, a beloved retailer among celebrities and sneaker enthusiasts.

In conclusion, the unfolding saga involving Coolkicks serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by businesses, even those with a strong reputation and following. The outcome of this investigation will undoubtedly shape the future of Coolkicks and its standing within the sneaker community.