Bellingham police officers caught a burglary suspect emerging from the shattered front door of the CHS Northwest True Value store on Meridian Street after responding to an unrelated call nearby. (Photo: Cpl. C. Puhan - Bellingham Police Department)
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Bellingham police arrested a burglary suspect outside the CHS Northwest store on Meridian Street after officers spotted shattered glass at the entrance while responding to an unrelated call.
Two night shift patrol officers were driving to an unrelated call on Meridian Street in Bellingham when they noticed shattered glass in the front door of the CHS Northwest True Value store.
As the officers slowed to investigate, the suspect suddenly climbed out through the broken doorway carrying stolen merchandise.
“It is not often we are able to be there the exact moment a burglar runs out carrying their stolen goods,” the department said. “But on this night the officers’ timing was impeccable.”
Police immediately stopped and contacted the suspect as he attempted to leave the store.
Officers ordered the man to get on the ground. He complied, dropping the stolen items, which included candy and Red Bull, in front of him.
According to police, the suspect then began eating the stolen items while officers gave commands to keep his hands out to his sides.
Additional officers arrived moments later and the suspect was taken into custody without further incident.
Investigators later determined the suspect had thrown a stone tile through the store’s glass door to break inside.
Police booked the man into jail on suspicion of burglary, malicious mischief and theft.
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