SHOPLIFTING: Police were dispatched to Target March 25 where store security observed a male suspect attempt to leave the store without paying for an item valued at $49 and a package of razor blades he used to open the packaging. The suspect was observed taking the item and the razors into a bathroom and exiting with a bulge under his sweatshirt. After being read his rights, the suspect admitted to taking the item and the razor blades. He was transported to Buckley jail and booked for theft.
BURGLARY: Officers on March 26 were dispatched to the 21900 block of state Route 410 for a report of a commercial burglary in which an unknown suspect forced entry into an office through a rear window. The suspect broke the office’s window and pried open the metal bars that protected it. Once inside the suspect opened a cash register and file cabinet and a desk drawer. The owner said he used to keep money in the register but no longer does. Police are investigating.
POSSESSION: Police on March 26 pulled over a car because a search of the license plate discovered the registered owner to have a warrant for driving with a suspended license. The owner, a male, was the passenger of the car at the time, which was being driven by his girlfriend. Officers noticed an odor of marijuana coming from the passenger who admitted to stuffing a baggie of marijuana in his pants, which he turned over to police. The passenger was transported to Buckley jail and booked on his warrant and unlawful possession of marijuana.
POSSESSION: Police on routine patrol March 27 noticed a car with oversized tires and no mud flaps. A search of the license plate revealed the owner to be driving with a suspended license suspended and the vehicle was pulled over. Upon contact, officers noticed the smell of marijuana coming from he vehicle. The driver admitted to giving a baggie of marijuana to the passenger to hold and also informed police of a glass pipe under the seat. The driver was cited for driving with license suspended and unlawful possession of marijuana.
GUNS AND COKE: An officer on routine patrol just after midnight March 29 was struck by another vehicle at the intersection of 188th Avenue East and Sumner-Buckley Highway. According to police reports, a white pickup struck the back of the patrol car after coming through a flashing red light without stopping. As other officers arrived on the scene, the driver of the truck was contacted and officers reported a strong odor of alcohol coming from him. The driver’s eyes were also bloodshot and “droopy.” The driver admitted to having a drink and submitted to a field sobriety test. The driver failed all of the field tests but did not submit to a voluntary breathalyzer test. The driver was placed under arrest and taken to the police department, but continued to refuse a breath test. While searching the car, police also discovered a concealed semi-automatic pistol under the driver’s seat and two magazines containing ammunition. While searching the driver’s wallet for a concealed carry permit – the driver claimed to have one but it had expired in 2006 – police discovered a small baggie containing a white powdery substance, which the driver admitted was cocaine. The driver was booked into Pierce County Jail on the charges of driving under the influence, possession of a controlled substance and carrying a concealed weapon without a permit. He was also cited for failure to obey a traffic control device and having no insurance.
SHOPLIFTING: Police on March 31 were dispatched to the Safeway for a report of a shoplifter. Store employees witnessed the suspect stuffing a package of shrimp and a package of crab legs down his pants, totaling approximately $25. When confronted, the suspect told store security he had no money and needed the food. The suspect was restricted from entering the store for one year.
