Second Retail Theft Emphasis Nets Drugs/Stolen Gun and Several Arrests
Spokane Valley Investigative Unit/Deputies and Loss Prevention Team Up to Curb Retail Theft
During another planned retail theft emphasis, Spokane Valley Investigative Unit (SVIU) Detectives, Spokane Valley Deputies, and Retail Loss Prevention employees worked together to address the rampant retail theft problem at retail stores. During the operation, Detectives/Deputies and two Loss Prevention employees worked together, resulting in twelve people being detained, and five were booked into jail for various charges/warrants. Detectives seized a stolen/loaded handgun, drugs, over $4,700 in cash, and a Cadillac Escalade.
On March 14, 2023, SVIU Detectives and Spokane Valley Deputies teamed up with Loss Prevention employees associated with two retail stores in the 5200-5700 block of E. Sprague to address the continual retail theft they are experiencing.
Twelve people were detained during the operation, and five were booked into jail. Three of the people detained had illegal drugs (personal use amount) but were not charged with possessing a controlled substance due to the current law. Their drugs were seized, they were provided with addiction treatment information, and the referrals were documented. Two people detained were booked into jail on warrants, and four were issued new trespassing orders.
Arrests
Anthony D. Pennella, 34, was arrested for Theft 3rd Degree and trespassed from Home Depot after he attempted to steal a water heater element. He admitted he had money and could have paid for the item, but he left his wallet and phone in his car. He was issued a criminal citation for Theft 3rd in lieu of booking him into jail.
Michael J. Pentland, 40, was arrested on a misdemeanor warrant, booked into jail, and released by the courts on his own recognizance the following day. He was found to be in possession of suspected methamphetamine and fentanyl pills, which were seized, and he was provided with addiction treatment information. Pentland and an adult female with him were issued trespass orders.
Kyle T. Hull, 35, was arrested and booked on a Theft 3rd misdemeanor warrant. He has since been released from jail.
Nicholas R. Pillar, 33, was arrested and booked into jail for Theft 3rd Degree and admitted to stealing a hand tool, intending to trade it for two fentanyl pills, commonly called “mexi’s”. He was released on his own recognizance the following day by the courts.
Manual Garcia, 43, was arrested for Malicious Mischief 2nd Degree after he was observed damaging the packaging of a tool and removing the store’s antitheft spider wrap security device before purchasing other items with cash and leaving the store. When SVIU Detectives contacted him after he left the store and arrested him for Malicious Mischief 2nd, they located a fully loaded handgun in his pocket, $4,765 in cash, a clear plastic baggie containing several suspected fentanyl pills (approx. 168), a baggie containing a gray substance believed to be a mixture of heroin, fentanyl, carfentanyl and possibly other substance, also known by its street name, “gray death”. Garcia is a convicted felon and prohibited from legally possessing a firearm. A check of the handgun’s serial number showed it was reported as stolen in 2022 in Stevens County, Wa. SVIU Detectives seized Garcia’s vehicle, a 2004 Cadillac Escalade, the $4,765 in cash, drugs, and the handgun. He was booked into jail for Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm 1st Degree, and Malicious Mischief 2nd Degree. His total bond was set at $25,000 by the courts, and he has since bonded out with the aid of a bond company.
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Previous Release sent on March 10, 2023:
Spokane Valley Investigative Unit and Deputies Coordinate with Loss Prevention Employees to Address and Detour Chronic Retail Thefts
Spokane Valley Investigative Unit (SVIU) Detectives and Spokane Valley Deputies teamed up with Loss Prevention employees at retail stores that requested assistance dealing with chronic retail theft. During the planned 4.5-hour operation, two teams, eight Detectives/Deputies, and three Loss Prevention employees worked together, detaining 22 people and booking 10 for various charges/warrants.
On March 8, 2023, from approximately 5:00 pm and 9:30 pm, SVIU Detectives and Spokane Valley Deputies (eight total) teamed up with three Loss Prevention employees associated with four retail stores to address the continuous retail theft they have been experiencing.
One team worked in the area of the 5200-5700 block of E. Sprague, and the second team worked in the 16200-16400 block of E. Broadway. The teams successfully and lawfully detained/charged 22 people during the 4.5-hour operation and booked 10 into the Spokane County Jail for various charges/warrants.
This operation cleared up 11 Spokane County arrest warrants. Five people detained/arrested had illegal drugs (suspected Methamphetamine, Suboxone, and Fentanyl) in their possession. The drugs were seized, and they were issued drug treatment referrals as required by state law.
One vehicle with stolen license plates was located, and the driver was booked into jail for Driving while Suspended/Revoked 1st Degree.
Two people were issued misdemeanor citations and released for Theft 3rd Degree/Shoplifting, and then booked into jail on their arrest warrants.
While the teams were contacting other subjects, two people fled. They were identified and charged with Theft 3rd Degree by affidavit, and arrest warrants were requested.
Two thefts were prevented by SVIU Detectives, who contacted the possible suspects before the crime could be committed.
Eight people were issued new trespass notices from the local businesses.
Shoplifters and/or people who decide to commit theft, this is your warning. These operations will be scheduled every so often, possibly at different locations when requested and as staffing permits. If you decide to commit crimes like this, you might be contacted during one of these retail theft operations.
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