Four arrested in Kent wire theft; cops appreciate tipster

Published 11:02 am Tuesday, August 24, 2010

The suspicions of an alert passerby helped Kent Police arrest two men and two women for investigation of second-degree theft of a 4-foot tall spool of industrial wire Aug. 19 from a north Kent business.

Police received a call from a man at about 4 a.m. Aug. 19 that four people had reportedly loaded the large wooden spool into the back of a truck, then split up leaving two people in the truck, according to a Kent Police media release.

The caller became suspicious because the business appeared to be closed. The caller followed the truck for several minutes as police officers closed in on the vehicle.

Officers caught up to the truck in downtown Kent, took two men into custody and recovered the spool of wire valued at more than $1,000. Officers returned the wire to the business.

Police also located a second vehicle reportedly involved in the incident and took two women into custody.

Officers booked the four adults, all in their 40s and 50s, into the city jail.

“A citizen who cared enough to make the call resulted in a significant arrest and the return of valuable property to a Kent business,” said Sgt. Tim Lontz. “We greatly appreciate his initiative and willingness to help.”