WASHINGTON — Police arrested a man last month who broke away from a public tour of the Capitol and allegedly stole six phones, a smart watch and earphones in the building, authorities said Thursday.
After breaking away from his tour group, 36-year-old David Octavius Daffin walked to a secure facility in the Capitol and stole the items, which had been left in open storage without locks outside the facility, according to U.S. Capitol Police.
Police said they arrested Daffin less than 45 minutes later when he “tried to flee in a vehicle.” The stolen items were returned, and lock boxes have been added in the hall since the theft, police said.
Police said they have not found any evidence to suggest that Daffin was involved in a larger plot; rather, they believe he stumbled upon the belongings.
“Thankfully our Rapid Response Team (officers on bicycles) and officers with our Special Operations Division arrested Daffin before he could get away and quickly returned the staff’s items,” Capitol Police said in a statement.
Daffin could not be reached for comment Thursday night.
The incident, which took place on June 17, was just one of Daffin’s arrests on Capitol grounds. On June 12, Daffin illegally entered a congressional employee’s vehicle and was arrested, police said.
Daffin was released from jail after the phone theft, but returned to the Capitol on July 6, when he was arrested for returning to Capitol grounds. As part of his conditions of release from jail, Daffin was prohibited from returning to the Capitol, police said.
In a crime summary of an incident that aligns with the July 6 arrest description, police described a suspect approaching an officer at the Senate door of the Capitol.
“The suspect stated that they were aware of the stay away order and were not supposed to be on Capitol grounds,” the crime summary said.
Daffin is currently in jail, and he faces charges for theft, unauthorized use of a vehicle, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle and receiving stolen property.
“Our officers are working around the clock to stop criminals who keep returning to the streets as we patrol 570 acres and millions of square feet — much of which is not only open to the public, but also packed each day with employees, tourists, people trying to illegally protest, and visitors,” Capitol Police said in Thursday’s statement.
