Theft Suspect Leads to Auto Recovery

Yesterday, Detective Mosley and Officer Yaranon responded to a shoplifting incident at a retail store in the mall. A 31-year-old female from Lakewood who had an infant with her was detained. It was determined that she had concealed merchandise in a bag which she then attempted to conceal in her infant’s car seat.

The suspect initially provided a false name to Detective Mosley before finally providing her real name. It was discovered that she had active felony warrants out of Pierce County for Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle and Eluding as well as a theft warrant and was no stranger to law enforcement. When questioned as to how she had gotten to the mall, she became nervous and elusive. Officers were able to backtrack her on surveillance cameras and determined that she had arrived in a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The VIN had been intentionally obscured and the only plate on the vehicle was for a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee in the same color. It was determined that the vehicle had been stolen in Seattle and since had been used in various crimes. The vehicle was recovered and impounded.

The suspect was booked into jail for theft and providing false statements as well as for the felony warrants.

Officers took custody of the infant and awaited the arrival of family members at the PD mall substation. Officer Yaranon noticed that the infant’s diaper hadn’t been changed in some time and went out and purchased diapers, cream and wipes then kept the infant happy until the family members arrived to take him.