'A Van Of Gypsies' And Other Notable Crimes: Puyallup Police Log

PUYALLUP, WA - After weeks of radio silence the Puyallup Police Department on Tuesday shared its latest crime log, which appears to cover most of January so far. Among its most recent entries are numerous domestic violence incidents, stolen and recovered vehicles, a weird situation involving a "van of gypsies," and several shoplifting cases that end in arrests.

Theft

1400-block of 39th Street Southeast

A 27-year-old man got a ticket in the mail after he was caught on doorbell cam stealing a package from his neighbor's porch, police said. Though the suspect was known, police were unsuccessful in making direct contact with him.

Burglary

4102D South Meridian - Bed Bath & Beyond

Two masked suspects broke into Bed Bath & Beyond and stole a drill, police said. No suspect information is available.

Fraud

700-block of River Road

A victim reported multiple fraudulent credit card transactions made in Tacoma between June and December 2018. The victim was apparently unsure how the suspected identity thief obtained their credit information.

Assault

800-block of 29th Avenue Southeast

A 56-year-old man told police a woman shoved him during an argument over payment for a laptop rental. The woman reportedly denied this account. The case was forwarded to the Pierce County Prosecutor's office.

CPS Referral

Child Protective Services were called when an 18-year-old woman left her infant unattended in her car while she went into Panera Bread. The woman reportedly told investigators she didn't want to wake up her baby.

Theft (felony)/UPDP

3500 S. Meridian - South Hill Mall

A 25-year-old woman was arrested for allegedly shoplifting clothes from Macy's. According to police, the woman wrapped the store's security devices in foil — which evidently didn't work as she planned. And she was carrying an unspecified amount of heroin.

Theft – Shoplifting

1100 N. Meridian - Fred Meyer

Fred Meyer's Loss Prevention team detained a woman who allegedly stole items from the store. While speaking with police, the woman reportedly threatened to return to the store — from which she was trespassed — if she was only cited for shoplifting and not booked into jail.

"She was booked," police said, adding, "I guess in this situation you get what you ask for."

DWLS / Warrant Arrest

1500-block of North Meridian

A man driving around with one headlight was pulled over. During the traffic stop, police learned the man not only had a repeatedly suspended driver's license but also a No Bail DUI warrant from Mason County. The man was subsequently arrested.

Fourth-Degree Assault - Domestic Violence

2100-block of North Meridian

A 52-year-old man who only wanted to spend the day with his 27-year-old girlfriend, despite her desire to leave, apparently thought the best way to keep her at home was by grabbing her around her neck. He was arrested.

DUI

3700-block South Meridian

A 24-year-old man returned Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) levels roughly three times the legal limit after he was pulled over for a moving violation. Police said it was unclear where he'd been drinking before his arrest.

Theft, Vehicle Prowl, PSP, Obstructing, Resisting, Trespassing, Warrant

611 S, Meridian - Safeway

A Puyallup officer who chased down a shoplifting suspect reportedly uncovered a much larger theft operation.

Initially, the 25-year-old suspect was chased for stealing a Seahawks jacket from Safeway. An officer caught up to the man behind Sparks Stadium and a foot chase began. The officer eventually caught the man hiding in a nearby shed.

Upon the man's arrest, the officer learned that not only was the suspect wanted on a robbery warrant but he had also just stolen multiple credit cards and a laptop from a car. All the stolen property was returned to the owner and the man was taken to Pierce County Jail.

Theft

Costco

A man called police to report his handbag was stolen from a cart at Costco after he accidentally left the handbag in the cart when he left the store.

Making False Statements / Warrant

200-block of West Stewart Avenue

Two men, 23 and 38, were arrested after police contacted them for trespassing. Both men reportedly had warrants, though the younger man attempted to conceal this fact by giving officers a fake name. It didn't work.

Shoplifting / Warrant Arrest

3500 S. Meridian - Macy’s

A couple who claimed to need $200 to help pay for their daughter's hospital treatment were detained by Macy's Loss Prevention when they were caught shoplifting. The male half of the couple also had a domestic violence/theft warrant from Tacoma. Both suspects were arrested.

Shoplifting

3500 S. Meridian - Macy’s

Two juveniles were returned to their parents after they were caught shoplifting items from Macy's in a backpack. The pair also had cannabis in their possession.

Warrant Arrest

Ninth Street/Second Avenue northeast

Four men were asked to move along after they were spotted setting up "a very large tent in a clearly marked 'No Trespassing' area on private property," Puyallup police said. When the men refused officers were called to assist.

While speaking with the quartet, the officers learned one of the men had a warrant from Puyallup for indecent exposure. He was arrested and the other three men packed up and left the area.

DUI – Alcohol

North Meridian and River Road

A Puyallup police sergeant who'd spent the day working DUI patrol in Bonney Lake returned to the city and immediately came across a speeding driver who failed to use a turn signal. After pulling the woman over for the moving violations, the officer learned she'd been drinking at The Loose Wheel.

The woman reportedly gave BAC results of .078 and .08 about an hour after the initial traffic stop. Because she had no previous DUI arrests, she was booked and released, police said.

Burglary

1400-block East Main Avenue

A burglary suspect busted out the window of a business and stole a laptop and several other items. Security cameras reportedly captured the entire thing.

Counterfeiting

3500 S. Meridian

A woman cashed her check and Walmart and went to DICK'S Sporting Goods to shop. When she tried to pay for her merchandise she was disappointed to learn one of the $100 bills she received at Walmart was actually counterfeit.

PSP / Recovery

Glenbrooke Apartments

After locating a stolen Nissan pickup at the Glenbrooke Apartments officers successfully tracked down the suspect responsible, a 30-year-old man who upon his arrest admitted to being in possession of the stolen truck.

Fourth-Degree Assault - Domestic Violence

Meridian West Apartments

A couple's domestic dispute escalated to assault when a man grabbed his significant other's neck with both hands. According to police, the man was upset because the domestic dispute woke up the couple's small child.

The man reportedly tried to leave the area prior to police arrival, but he was caught and arrested on SR 512.

Motor Vehicle Theft

3705 S. Meridian - Starbucks

A man who left his idling 1994 Honda Civic unattended while it warmed up was surprised to see it pulling out of the parking lot with a pink-haired woman at the wheel. The woman is thought to be in her 40s and appeared Asian or Pacific Islander. The Honda was entered as stolen.

Fourth-Degree Assault - Domestic Violence

Meridian West Apartment

Police say two kids witnessed their dad assaulting their mom before he fled to his mother's house. Officers were unable to locate the man but issued a citation anyway.

Armed Robbery

1502 S. Meridian - Chevron

A Pierce County armed burglary case merged with Puyallup police when the same suspect robbed both a 7-Eleven and a Chevron gas station at gunpoint within the same half hour. The suspect wore a red hoodie, black mask, gloves, and black pants at both locations.

After robbing the Chevron of roughly $340 and cigarettes, the suspect fled behind the building. A K9 unit tracked the suspect to a Puyallup motel across the street where police believe the man got into a car.

Both surveillance video and pictures of the incident were taken as evidence.

Malicious Mischief

300-block of Fourth Avenue Southeast

Someone spray-painted "BLONE" on a homeowner's fence. There is no suspect information for this case.

Felony Eluding

300-block Second Street Northeast

A person who was seen running a red light was followed onto SR 167 before the pursuing officer gave up the chase due to speed and the seriousness of the original offense. There is no suspect information available.

Malicious Mischief

1400-block of East Main Avenue

Police investigated a broken window at a business.

Fourth-Degree Assault

300-block of South Meridian

A fight between a 14-year-old and a 12-year-old was caught on video, though it's reportedly unclear what prompted the fight. The 14-year-old was contacted at home and booked by police.

Malicious Mischief

River Trail Apartments

A boy who was upset with his mother reportedly decided to start busting all the dishes in her kitchen. The mother decided to press charges, though the boy refused to explain to police why he did it. He was taken to Remann Hall.

UPDP

200-block of 37th Avenue Southeast

An officer spotted a 20-year-old woman smoking heroin in her car. She was cited.

Motor Vehicle Theft

3500-block of 14th Street Place Southwest

A U-Haul van was stolen in the night.

Robbery – Strongarm

3500 S. Meridian - Macy’s

Two people in their 30s fought with and escaped Macy's Loss Prevention staff after they were caught shoplifting socks. Police identified the suspects but have not yet located them.

Fourth-Degree Assault - Domestic Violence

Stillwater Apartments

Police cited a man who reportedly pushed his way into a woman's apartment, assaulted her, and stole her cell phone. Neighbors spotted the man leaving the area as police arrived. Officers tracked down the man's parents, with whom he lives, but were unable to locate the man himself.

Order Violation / DV

Meridian West Apartments

A man was cited for violating a no-contact order issued on behalf of his ex-girlfriend. She reportedly told police the man called her from a number she didn't recognize, but she knew it was him after he apologized for previous wrongs and asked for her forgiveness.

Second-Degree Assault / DV with knife

Meridian Pointe Apartments

A woman woke from a night terror and became involved in some kind of altercation with her husband. According to police, the husband threw two knives at a sliding glass door while his wife stood outside smoking.

When she came back inside the husband took her in a bear hug; in her defense she bit him on his chest. Then the husband grabbed another knife and slashed the woman's leg, leaving a minor cut, police said.

The husband was a taken to Pierce County Jail.

Commercial Burglary

615 East Pioneer - Meeker’s Landing

A commercial burglary occurred between Jan. 8 and 9. Police said a $3,500 scaffolding set was stolen. Investigators are looking for surveillance video.

Damaged Property- Commercial

615 East Pioneer - Meeker’s Landing

Someone used a BB gun to shoot out the windows of three units, causing $4,600 in damage.

Fourth-Degree Assault - Domestic Violence

404 23rd Ave. SE - Robbin’s Hollow Apts

A domestic dispute about work and dog care between a couple who'd been dating for about 5 months became physical when the boyfriend grabbed the girlfriend around her neck and tossed her into a closet door. The boyfriend fled but returned to cooperate with the police investigation. He was arrested.

Residential Burglary

23rd Avenue Southwest

A resident told police someone busted out a window to get into their home. The suspect(s) appeared to have gone through drawers and cupboards, though nothing seemed to have been stolen.

Motor Vehicle Theft

Multi-care Good Samaritan Parking Garage level #2

A silver 1991 Honda Accord that was stolen from the Good Samaritan Hospital parking garage was later found at Glenbrooke Apartments.

Shoplift Arrest/Mental Health

611 S. Meridian - Safeway

A 28-year-old man who stole groceries and fled on foot was later caught nearby, eating the groceries he stole. The man refused to give police his real name, requested the presence of Military Police, and became "highly confrontational" with jail staff after his arrest. He was later identified.

UPDP/DWLS 3rd/Felony Warrant Arrest

4102 S. Meridian - Ross

A man with a felony warrant for escaping community custody and a misdemeanor warrant from Auburn was caught trying to flee police. Upon his arrest officers also found a small amount of heroin on him.

UPDP/Warrant Arrest

502 37th Ave. SE - Shell Gas Station

A 26-year-old woman was spotted by an officer familiar with her criminal history. After running a check, the officer learned the woman had a warrant for theft. Upon her arrest the officer found drug paraphernalia with heroin residue.

Vehicle Prowl

407 Valley Ave. NE - Meridian Pointe Apartments

More than $2,000 in tools was stolen from a work van.

Theft from vehicle

Brookdale at the Courtyard

Someone broke into and slept overnight in a shuttle van that belongs to the facility. Nothing was stolen.

MVT Recovery

Stolen Jan. 8 from Meridian Point Apartments - Recovered Jan. 16

After noticing a suspicious Honda parked in his neighborhood for the past week, a resident called police. Responding officers learned the car was stolen, the stereo was missing, and the car's spare tire had been put onto the rear passenger-side.

"Thank you to alert citizens, giving us valuable tips and information," police said. "This is a reminder that if you notice something suspicious, please call!"

Theft from Vehicle - Citizen’s Report

Fourth Street Northeast

A woman reported her unlocked car was burglarized overnight. Her glove box was destroyed and several items were stolen, including a book of CDs, an iPhone charger, and a basket of sunscreens and hygiene items.

Identity Theft

941 S. Meridian - 7-Eleven

A man who was homeless in 2017 told police a "van of gypsies" stole his identity under the pretense of giving him a job. The man said the "gypsies" took photo copies of his ID and social security card before giving him work. But instead of work, they ran up $4,000 in debt in his name.

"Please don’t hand your social security card over to anyone," police said. "Especially a 'van of gypsies.'"

Vehicle Recovery

10th Street Southeast

A Mazda truck stolen from Tukwila was recovered in Puyallup and impounded.

K-9 Capture/Theft of Vehicle/Elude/UPCS/Hit & Run/DWLS/Poss. Dangerous Weapon/Obstructing

1715 E. Main Ave. - Addison Greens Apartments

The squad was focused on locating a suspect in numerous recent vehicle thefts in Puyallup, including a MVTR of a Honda from the Glenbrooke and a MVTR at Good Samaritan Hospital.

Officers responded to a report of a suspicious male driving a similar Honda through an apartment complex wearing gloves and a bandana over his face. An officer located the Honda as it was leaving the River Trail Apartments, and it was confirmed to be the stolen Honda.

The Honda fled from officers and was chased into Sumner where it crashed. The driver fled from the vehicle.

K-9 Maverick caught the suspect and made contact. The suspect was taken into custody and found to have methamphetamine and a baton on his person. After being cleared from the hospital, the suspect was taken to jail.

Excellent job by everyone involved!

Vehicle Prowl

407 Valley Ave. NE

A work van was burglarized of tools valuing roughly $2,000.

Warrant Arrest - thwarted serial shoplifters

303 35th Ave. SE - The Home Depot

A man and woman, 33 and 37, were contacted in the parking lot and trespassed from The Home Depot while their male accomplice was still inside the store preparing to shoplift. The suspected shoplifter was then arrested on a $5,000 warrant from Lakewood for a previous theft case.

Vehicle Prowl

2547 S. Meridian - Hamptons Apartments

A car's registration and bedding was stolen from a vehicle at the Hamptons Apartments. The registration was later recovered at the Glenbrooke Apartments.

Theft/False Statements

3310 S. Meridian - Target

Police arrested a man for shoplifting roughly $1,000 worth of TurboTax software. He was taken to Pierce County Jail.

Motor Vehicle Theft

300 W. Main Ave. - Sounder Lot

A gold 2000 Ford F-250 was stolen from the parking lot. There is no suspect information.

Trespass/Warrant/Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

3500 S. Meridian - South Hill Mall

After contacting a man and woman who South Hill Mall security considered "prolific shoplifters," officers learned the woman had a theft warrant from Pierce County. Also, officers learned the pair were associated with a car in the parking lot occupied by an unconscious man who had a needle in his lap.

NVOL/Obstructing/Warrant

310 31st Ave. SE - Walmart

A man fled police during a traffic stop but was quickly caught at a nearby Walmart. The man reportedly had a warrant from Arizona for previous drug-related charges.

Burglary to storage- Citizen Report

1401 N. Meridian - Smart Stop Storage

Jewelry, tools, and a welder were stolen from a storage unit after the unit's lock was cut sometime Jan. 14.

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Image via Puyallup Police Department