SUBJECT: Business Burglary

Date: June 3, 2005

Post Falls Police Officers responded at 02:00 am Thursday morning (04/06) to a Business alarm at the Cenex Cooperative Supply located at 312 W. Mullan Ave. Upon arrival to the business, Officer Tyler Smith Discovered the front glass door was shattered and called for additional officers to assist with the suspected burglary in progress. Wayne Lacy with Northern States Security also arrived to the business and watched the rear of the business until other Post Falls Police officers were able to surround the area.

At that time at least two suspects fled from the building in a north bound direction, towards a wooded area behind the business. Officers converged on the area and apprehended two Spokane Valley area juvenile suspects. A green duffle bag used in the burglary was recovered. After interviewing the suspects, officers were able to determine that a third suspect was also involved and eluded police.

The Business manager responded to the scene and discovered that cigarettes & lighters were targeted in the theft. An inventory check was made and the value of the stolen property was estimated at $590.00. The Third suspect involved is believed to have escaped with the stolen property. The damage to the business door was estimated at $350.00.  

This was the second burglary of the business within five days. A similar break-in occurred on April 1, 2006. Cigarettes and lighters were also discovered missing at that time, and the front door glass was also broken to make entry. The juvenile suspects involved refused to identify the third person, and Police are investigating the similarities between the two burglaries, which are believed to be related. Anyone with any information regarding the break-in are asked to contact the Post Falls Police Department at 208-773-3517 or give a tip on the investigations web site found at www.postfallspolice.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Lt. Mclean

AUTHOR: Lt. Mclean