Two men are facing charges over a brazen heist where Apple products were allegedly stolen from a moving trailer on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The theft, involving nearly $288,000 worth of merchandise, was carried out through a dangerous high-speed operation.
Lorenzo Vaduva, 24, and Gabriel Chisoiu, 38, have been charged with theft, conspiracy, and reckless endangerment. Pennsylvania State Police say the duo targeted a shipment of Apple Watches and MacBooks that had been picked up in Carlisle.
According to charging documents obtained by local media, the truck driver fell victim to what appeared to be a coordinated operation. Shortly after entering the turnpike, a box truck and sedan forced the semi to brake while another vehicle followed closely behind with its headlights off.
The driver only discovered the theft after pulling into Sideling Hill Travel Plaza in Taylor Township. He noticed the trailer’s bolt seal had been broken and the GPS tracker tampered with.
“I hadn’t stopped anywhere since picking up the load in Carlisle,” the driver told authorities when reporting the incident.
Troopers reviewing evidence found dash cam footage showing the victim’s semi traveling with its doors open and items falling onto the roadway. The video captured the suspected vehicles, including one following closely with no headlights.
The investigation led police to abandoned vehicles at a Perry County store. Through surveillance footage, social media analysis, and phone records, investigators identified Vaduva and Chisoiu as suspects.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement assisted in the investigation, which ultimately led to the arrest of both men. They remain in custody while awaiting their preliminary hearing.
The stolen Apple merchandise, valued at $287,737, included watches and laptops that were part of a secured shipment. It’s unclear how much of the merchandise has been recovered.