Guitar Thief Sought In South Hill: Sheriff

PUYALLUP, WA - The Pierce County Sheriff's Office has asked the community for help identifying a guitar thief. Anyone with information about the incident or the suspect is asked to call the Crime Stoppers tip line.

The business-hours theft occurred Feb. 22 at the Ted Brown Music store in South Hill, located at 13613 Meridian E. The suspect and theft was captured in-full on the music store's security cameras.

In the video, the male suspect is seen perusing the electric guitars before selecting a blue and white Fender American Elite Stratocaster with a maple neck and sitting down to jam. After roughly seven minutes, the suspect stands behind a cabinet and shoves the guitar's head and neck into his trouser leg before covering the body with his shirt.

The suspect then walks awkwardly out of the store with the guitar (sort of) concealed beneath his clothing.

Sheriff's investigators said the suspect was seen leaving the area in a gray 2015 Kia Optima with a large dent on the passenger-side door.

The guitar is reportedly valued at nearly $2,000.

Anyone with information that could help police with this investigation is encouraged to call 800-222-TIPS (8477).

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