A Florida man nicknamed the “LEGO Bandit” has been arrested after authorities linked him to more than $20,000 in alleged LEGO thefts across Northeast Florida.
The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Ronald Lorne Tipton. Investigators say the case began with several thefts of expensive LEGO sets from a Target in Yulee before authorities connected him to a wider series of retail thefts.
Tipton was allegedly involved in three Target thefts between August 18 and September 12, including one incident in which LEGO sets were reportedly taken through a fire exit and loaded into a waiting vehicle. More than $3,000 worth of LEGO was allegedly stolen from that location alone.
On September 15, investigators say Tipton attempted to take 12 LEGO sets from a nearby Walmart before fleeing when confronted by employees. A detective later spotted him driving a U-Haul and attempted to stop the vehicle.
Authorities allege Tipton drove away dangerously, with the truck’s open door striking the detective’s arm. The pursuit ended in Fernandina Beach when a deputy pinned the U-Haul against a tree in a CVS parking lot.
Tipton and another person, Jessica Underwood, were arrested. Investigators also reported finding suspected methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl inside the truck, though authorities said Underwood’s drug charges were unrelated to the LEGO theft investigation.
Tipton faces multiple charges, including aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, aggravated fleeing, coordinating retail theft and dealing in stolen property. The allegations have not been proven in court.