SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. – Nine people were detained, and five were arrested for attempting to shoplift at a Spokane Valley store on Monday.
Detectives with the Spokane Valley Investigative Unit (SVIU), patrol deputies and store loss prevention employees teamed up to address the area’s continuous theft problem. On Dec. 12, nine people were detained, with five people ending up behind bars, according to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO).
Nichole D. Cook, 42, and Gene R. McDonald, 60, were observed taking items and concealing them. As Cook left, SVIU detectives stopped her and established probable cause to charge her with third-degree theft. Additional SVIU detectives approached McDonald in a vehicle related to this incident. McDonald was charged with possession of a dangerous weapon for owning brass knuckles. Both were issued criminal citations and released.
Mercedes A. Finely, 25, was spotted and recognized by loss prevention employees. She was seen putting items into her cart and approaching the store’s exit. Loss prevention actively provided updates to Deputies positioned in the parking lot as Finley grabbed a couple of items from the cart and ran through the doors without paying. The doors were entry only and did not open, security alarms now blaring. Finley ran through another store exit and was arrested by deputies. She was booked into the Spokane County Jail on charges of thirst-degree theft and almost immediately released on her own recognizance, according to SCSO.
Howard B. Miller, 38, stole items from the store on Dec. 11. During the emphasis, Miller was seen wearing what appeared to be the same clothes as before. Miller had valid misdemeanor warrants for his arrest for a charge of third-degree theft and obstructing law enforcement. He was booked into jail for those warrants and released on his recognizance. An additional charge of third-degree will be requested.
Another suspect, unnamed by deputies, was seen concealing items inside the store. When he noticed store staff watching, he dumped the items and left. He was identified and trespassed at the store’s request but not charged in this incident.
The final suspect, also unnamed, was observed attempting to steal merchandise. He stopped to pay for some items and left the store when deputies and SVIU detectives stopped him. Through an investigation, probable cause to charge the man with theft could not be established. He was issued a criminal citation for driving while suspected and released.
“The Spokane Valley Police Department will continue to conduct retail emphasis patrols to address theft and other criminal activity throughout Spokane Valley. Shoplifters who decide to commit theft or other crimes, this is your warning,” said Corporal Mark Gregory, Public Information Officer for SCSO.
