Law enforcement responds to a diamond heist at Tiffany & Co. in Orlando.
A 32-year-old Orlando man, Jaythan Gilder, was arrested after attempting to steal nearly one million dollars worth of jewelry from Tiffany & Co. The police chase unfolded at the Mall at Millenia as Gilder injured employees during his escape. Authorities managed to recover stolen earrings that he had attempted to swallow. With a history of theft, Gilder faces serious charges.
Orlando, Florida – A jewel heist turned into a wild chase when police arrested a 32-year-old man for stealing nearly one million dollars worth of jewelry from the esteemed Tiffany & Co. The daring incident took place on February 26, 2025, at the Mall at Millenia, and it’s safe to say it has all the makings of a thrilling crime story.
Jaythan Gilder, claiming to represent an Orlando Magic player, managed to gain access to a VIP viewing room in the jewelry store. This wasn’t just a regular shopping trip; the 32-year-old schemer had set his sights on some sparkling treasures. Once in the private area, Gilder quickly snatched several jewelry pieces with a jaw-dropping value and attempted to make his grand escape.
However, things didn’t go as smoothly as he had hoped. As he dashed for freedom, he unintentionally injured two employees who bravely tried to stop him. Their efforts, while commendable, came up short, and Gilder managed to flee, but little did he know that he would not get away for long.
Orlando’s finest were quick on the scene. Thanks to mall surveillance footage, police identified Gilder’s vehicle and commenced a manhunt that led them all the way to Washington County. You might think he had a chance of slipping through the cracks, but as fate would have it, Gilder resisted arrest and embarked on yet another shocking move—he attempted to swallow the stolen jewelry!
In a twist worthy of a movie script, officials discovered that Gilder had indeed swallowed several diamond earrings. An X-ray revealed the incriminating evidence lodged inside him. Thanks to the swift work of law enforcement, they managed to recover a total of four Tiffany & Co. earrings, along with two additional unidentified diamond earrings valued at approximately $769,500.
Gilder initially confessed to this unusual act during his questioning, revealing an odd mix of bravado and worry about the charges he might face regarding the diamonds in his stomach. As the police recovered the earrings over the span of a few days, cataloging their serial numbers to confirm their origin from the store, it seemed like a scene from a crime drama playing out in real life.
As the investigation unfolded, it came to light that Gilder was no stranger to trouble. With a lengthy history of theft that includes 48 outstanding warrants in Colorado and several past convictions related to high-value jewelry thefts, his latest escapade seemed to be just another chapter in an ongoing saga. He was charged with robbery with a mask and first-degree grand theft—charges that certainly won’t help his already tarnished reputation.
The bizarre story of Jaythan Gilder serves as a reminder of the lengths some will go to for a shiny piece of jewelry. The audacity of pretending to represent a professional athlete and attempting to make off with high-value items while causing harm certainly raises eyebrows. Orlando shoppers can take solace in knowing that their local police are quick to act, ensuring justice is served, even when jewel thieves devise such elaborate plots.
As this captivating chapter of Orlando’s history comes to a close, one can only wonder what will happen to Gilder. Will he learn from his mistakes? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: this is a story that won’t soon be forgotten.
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