Adventure of the Day The REI Runaway Gear Grab

Officers arrested a man for stealing $574. 65 worth of outdoor gear from REI on Tuesday afternoon. The suspect was found stashing the items in his SUV just moments after exiting the store without paying. Staff confirmed the theft with video evidence, showing the suspect selecting the gear and leaving the store. Police linked him to a previous theft at the same REI location, indicating a pattern of criminal behavior.

Additionally, he faced multiple warrants from Island, Grant, and Chelan counties for theft and bail-jumping. The stolen items were recovered and returned to REI, underscoring the importance of security measures in retail settings. Local authorities aim to address the rising incidents of shoplifting, which impact businesses and community safety. This case exemplifies the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating retail theft.