The Irvine Police are searching for a not so “Nice Guy” who stole an electric scooter

The Irvine Police Department is looking for a suspect who is suspected of theft and possible false advertising. They are referring to him as “Nice Guy” because that phrase is on the cap he was wearing.

The suspect stole a Hi-Boy electric scooter from the bike racks at Woodbury Town Center for a not-so-hi-road joyride.

If you can help the IPD to identify this man, who has a distinct tattoo on his right hand, please contact bnoelle@cityofirvine.org.

In California, the suspect could face penalties for both theft and false advertising, depending on how prosecutors charge the case.

Here are the likely consequences under state law:

• Theft of the electric scooter (Penal Code § 484/487)
  • If the scooter’s value is under $950 → petty theft (misdemeanor)
    • Penalty: up to 6 months in county jail and/or fines up to $1,000
  • If the scooter’s value is $950 or more → grand theft (wobbler: misdemeanor or felony)
    • Penalty: up to 1 year in county jail (misdemeanor) or 16 months to 3 years in county jail (felony)
• Possession of stolen property (Penal Code § 496)
  • Applies if he knowingly kept or used the scooter after the theft
  • Penalty: up to 1 year in county jail (misdemeanor) or up to 3 years (felony)
• False advertising (Business & Professions Code § 17500)
  • Making or displaying untrue or misleading statements in connection with goods or services
  • Usually charged as a misdemeanor
  • Penalty: up to 6 months in county jail and/or fines up to $2,500 per violation
• Additional consequences
  • Restitution to the victim (e.g., cost of the scooter if damaged or unrecovered)
  • Probation with conditions such as community service or theft prevention classes
  • A criminal record that could affect employment or licensing

If the false advertising element is minor or unrelated to the theft, prosecutors may focus primarily on the theft charges. However, if both are pursued, the suspect could face stacked misdemeanor penalties or a felony conviction depending on the scooter’s value and prior record.