A months-long investigation into thefts at Apple stores across the Valley is wrapping up with three people behind bars.

A witness of one of the robberies was able to get a temporary vehicle license plate number. Police traced that number to a Grey Chevy Malibu owned by 24-year-old Kendra Latrice Cole-Matthews of Nevada.

On March 23 Detectives set up surveillance around a Scottsdale Apple store near Scottsdale Road and Greenway Parkway. From there, they watched as the Malibu drove around the parking lot, before returning with a cloth covering the license plate. Police say Cole-Matthews and two men entered the Apple store and ran out shortly after.

Police say the three stole 19 iPhones worth over $15,000 and got into the car driven by Matthews. The woman reportedly spotted police following her and swerved onto a sidewalk, nearly hitting two children and fleeing at a high rate of speed.

Matthews got on the Loop 101 but was stopped by Department of Public Safety troopers.

The woman briefly spoke with the troopers before running back into her car and leaving. Police chased her as she got off the freeway, eventually stopping at 24th Street and Beardsley Road.

The three fled on foot and were caught nearby. In addition to Matthews, police found 20-year-old Lamont James Nelson and 22-year-old Deondraneke LeShaun McGregory.

Police located the stolen iPhones near where the suspects were caught. They also allegedly found numerous other iPhones in the car.

Police say all of them have prior arrests, with Matthews currently being out on bail, and came here from Nevada with the intent of committing these crimes. All three have been charged with theft.