Liberty Lake Blotter: More security added to combat alcohol theft
The Liberty Lake Safeway store has hired additional loss prevention officers in response to a recent string of alcohol thefts, which has led to more people being caught in the act, said Liberty Lake Police Chief Brian Asmus.
The most serious incident reported the week of Sept. 15-22 was a woman caught stealing items in the store on Sept. 17. A loss prevention officer chased the woman until she turned around and threatened to stab him, Asmus said.
Even though the loss prevention officer quit the chase, the woman was easily identified. “Apparently when the suspect was fleeing, she dropped her purse,” Asmus said.
The woman could not be immediately located, so police have a requested that a charge of first-degree robbery be filed against her.
A man seen taking over-the-counter medication off the shelves Sept. 18 was not arrested. “In this case, we determined that the guy who took the meds put them back somewhere in the store,” Asmus said.
However, the man’s companion was wanted on a warrant for burglary and was arrested.
A man who stole alcohol from the store on Sept. 20 was quickly chased down and arrested for theft and on a warrant. A woman caught stealing more than $500 of alcohol on Sept. 15 reportedly told police that she planned to take the alcohol to Tacoma and trade it for drugs. The woman was also wanted on a warrant for theft of alcohol in Shoreline, Washington.
Other incidents from Sept. 15-22
Sept. 15: A caller reported finding the phone lines disconnected at the outside telephone box at the Guardian Angel in the 23000 block of East Mission Avenue.
Sept. 16: A man who allegedly assaulted a woman and prevented her from leaving an apartment in the 22000 block of East Country Vista Drive was arrested and charged with violation of a protection order, assault, unlawful imprisonment and malicious mischief. A resident in the 1600 block of North Cirque Lane reported that several items had been stolen from her car and house while she was out of town. A woman in the 22000 block of East Country Vista Drive reported waking early in the morning and seeing a man standing outside her bedroom window. A 16-year-old male was arrested for reckless driving after an officer spotted him driving 93 miles per hour in a 35 mph zone in the area of Henry Road and Country Vista Drive.
Sept. 17: A garage burglary was reported in the 1800 block of North Holl Road. Camping World in the 19000 block of East Cataldo Avenue reported that someone had entered several RVs and stolen six flat-screen televisions.
Sept. 18: A vehicle theft was reported in the 23000 block of East Appleway Avenue. An investigation determined the car had been repossessed. A man was arrested in the 24000 block of East Spotted Owl Lane for indecent exposure after several witnesses said they had seen him sitting in his car fondling himself.
Sept. 21: A garage burglary was reported in the 19000 block of East Shannon Avenue.
Arrests: Officers made five arrests for driving with a suspended license and one for driving under the influence.
Citations: Officers handed out three citations for failure to show proof of liability insurance and four for speeding. Additional citations were given for expired vehicle registration and failure to stop at a stop sign.