GLENDALE, Calif. — What should have been a magical night for newlyweds Nadeen and George Farahat turned into a nightmare when their wedding gift box—containing an estimated $60,000 in cash and checks—was stolen during their celebration in Glendale.
Now, just five days later, police have arrested two suspects: Armean Shirehjini, who allegedly stole the gift box, and Andranik Avetisyan, believed to be the getaway driver.
The theft, which occurred at the Renaissance Banquet Hall during the couple’s 300-guest wedding, was captured on security cameras. Despite blending in with guests in a black suit and dress shoes, Shirehjini’s uncovered face was clearly visible in the footage, which quickly went viral and led to a flood of public tips.
“Some were good, some were bad, but it helped us identify the suspects early on,” said Sgt. Jose Barajas of the Glendale Police Department.
Police arrested Shirehjini on Friday night. He was reportedly armed at the time. A search of both suspects’ homes revealed far more than stolen wedding gifts: detectives found a large quantity of narcotics, numerous firearms, dozens of checks, and what appear to be fake IDs.
“We recovered 26 checks and about $10,000 in cash,” Sgt. Barajas confirmed. “This person hit the jackpot.”
Despite the dramatic discovery of drugs, guns, and fake documents, authorities say neither suspect had a prior criminal record. Investigators believe the crime may have been a crime of opportunity, rather than the work of an organized group.
“Glendale has a lot of banquet halls and weddings every weekend,” said Barajas. “This may have just been a random target.”
The newlyweds, though shaken, are focusing on the positive.
“I ended up sitting on the dance floor, sobbing with my friends and cousins around me,” said bride Nadeen in an interview with KABC. “But we had a wonderful ceremony and a fun party. We’re focusing on the fact that we’re married.”
Police are still investigating the origins of the weapons, the narcotics, and the fake IDs. No weapons were used during the wedding theft itself.
