CoolKicks founder arrested as Nike gear seized in cargo theft probe

A Los Angeles sneaker retailer’s founder was arrested Thursday after police say they recovered roughly $500,000 in allegedly stolen Nike merchandise during a search of a CoolKicks warehouse in Santa Monica. The Los Angeles Police Department said officers served a search warrant at a property on the 1700 block of Stewart Street and seized more than 2,100 pairs of Nike shoes, about 150 cartons of Nike apparel and other items, including unreleased product.

Investigators said the seizure was part of a cargo theft probe. CoolKicks chief executive and cofounder Adeel Shams, 34, was detained at the scene on suspicion of receiving stolen property, the LAPD said. At the time of the police operation Shams was livestreaming an online auction; video of the broadcast showed him initially questioning whether the arrival of officers was a swatting prank before he was taken into custody. Jail records indicate Shams was released the day after his arrest, and he is scheduled to make an initial court appearance on Oct. 23.

CoolKicks issued a statement on Instagram saying the impounded items were a small allotment of Nike sneakers the company purchased and received within the previous 48 hours....