Cell phones used in shoplift try

Cell phones were used as a tool in a shoplifting attempt Tuesday at Spokane Valley’s Old Navy store.

Two women text-messaged each other to arrange a getaway, Spokane Valley police spokesman Cpl. Dave Reagan said. Police nabbed one of them as she attempted to jump into a vehicle.

Britney Bjork, 24, was charged with second-degree theft, Reagan said. The other woman, described as a blond in her 20s, 5-foot-4 and 120 pounds, drove away in a Toyota 4Runner.

Old Navy employees told a Spokane Valley officer that they watched two women fill an Old Navy bag with clothing, then walk into a dressing room, Reagan said. Afterward, the two split up.

One stood near the front of the store. The other left the retail clothing outlet.

Employees observed the woman inside the store as she appeared to text message someone, Reagan said. About then, the second woman pulled up in front of the Old Navy in a dark-colored Toyota 4Runner.

Security officers were nearby when the woman inside the store ran for the truck, Reagan said. However, she was able to toss the cell phone into the truck.

The value of the clothing in the Old Navy bag was figured at $481, Reagan said. Bjork told store employees she had no money with her.

Citizen call helps police

Spokane Valley police were grateful for a citizen’s cell phone use Wednesday when it helped them track a suspected power tool thief.

Ray Alex Pendell, 41, was charged with second-degree theft and burglary, Spokane Valley police spokesman Cpl. Dave Reagan said.

About 3:15 p.m., a witness called officers to report a suspicious male who was carrying boxes of DeWalt Power Tools down East Sprague Avenue, Reagan said. The witness said the man removed the tools from the packaging and left the boxes behind.

The citizen directed police via cell phone while he followed the man, Reagan said. Police stopped the man at Sprague and Dearborn.

Officers determined the tools were taken from Home Depot. They were valued at $750.