The suspects who have been stealing street drain grates in the county have also hit the Tumwater area. The cost to taxpayers totals several thousand dollars.
The majority of the thefts have occurred during daylight hours on week day afternoons. Witnesses report seeing suspects in a light blue older Chevy or Ford style pickup. The suspects are described as white male and Hispanic male, dressed in construction style clothing.
Between July 23rd and July 31st, ten drain grates sized 18 by 24 inches were stolen in the Thurston County area. The metal grates were taken from several streets near the Ridgeview Development.
The loss to the County is estimated at $2,500. These thefts cause a safety issue for the public and those traveling in that area.
On July 27th around 9:15 p.m., a man was assaulted and robbed while walking westbound on Yelm Hwy near Corporate Center and the Chehalis Western Trail.
The victim was approached by two white males on bicycles. One suspect asked for money, and when the victim said he did not have any, the suspect punched him in the face.
Both suspects appeared to be approximately 17 years old. One was approximately 5-8, 165, with a blue ball cap on backwards.
Tips Sought in Thefts of Catch Basin Covers
OLYMPIA – The public is being asked to help Thurston County Sheriff’s Officers catch those responsible for the theft of metal covers from roadway catch basins.
Thurston County Public Works officials say sometime between July 23rd and July 31st, unknown parties stole ten 18 to 24 inch drain grates. The metal grates were taken from several streets in or near the Ridgeview Development in Southeast Thurston County:
Thurston County Sheriff John Snaza says this crime goes beyond the value of the stolen grates. “This is a theft from the citizens of the county. Not only do we have to replace the grates themselves, but it is a theft of the time of the public employees who have to order new grates, track the project and make sure they are replaced in a timely fashion. That’s why we are asking folks who may have information on this crime to contact us.” The total cost of the theft is estimated at $2,500.
The situation could also be a safety issue for the public and those traveling in the area are urged to use caution until replacement grates can be installed.
Those with information are asked to call the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office or they can also contact Thurston County CrimeStoppers at (360)-493-2222.
Contact: Lt. Greg Elwin, Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, 360-786-5508
On July 21, 2011 numerous vehicle prowls were reported in the 6900 block of Martin Way. The vehicles were parked in the parking lot of two businesses overnight.
The suspects stole stereos from the vehicles, damaging several vehicles to gain entry.
In the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 13th, a white male entered the Park Place Market/Shell located at 608 Yelm Avenue West. The suspect confronted the store clerk with a silver color semi-automatic handgun and demanded money and cigarettes, which he placed in a light blue pillow case.
The suspect is a white male, approximately 5-10, 160 lbs, brown hair, in his early to mid 20’s. He wore a ball cap and gray hoodie with the hood up, baggy dark blue jeans, carpenter style, dark tennis shoes, black gloves, and a blue bandana over his face.
On July 5th just after midnight, a 60-year-old man was brutally assaulted in the 200 block of West Lee Street in Tumwater. The victim sustained multiple injuries to his head and body. He was found on the street by passing citizens.
The victim is currently in critical condition and unable to communicate to police what happened. The Tumwater Police Department is seeking information from anyone who may have witnessed the attack or has any information about this incident.
On June 11th at 12:30 a.m., a hit and run accident occurred at the intersection of College Street SE and Pacific Avenue SE.
The victim was struck by a vehicle who failed to stop at a red light. The other vehicle slammed into the passenger side of the vehicle where a passenger was seated. The suspect vehicle then fled southbound on College Street SE.
The suspect vehicle is described as a full size dark colored truck, possibly Ford or Chevy. A decal was noted in the rear window with gothic type lettering with a word similar to “BILICUS”. The truck would have significant damage to the front passenger side.
