Spokane man jailed for local store thefts, assault
Merchandise valued at nearly $900.
Updated
EPHRATA — A Spokane man was arrested Sunday after allegedly stealing merchandise from two local businesses and assaulting a female companion.
Richard Dean Edmonds, 39, was taken into custody after being located by police Sunday evening at a gas station in the 300 block of Basin Street S.W.
Edmonds was initially identified as a suspect in a shoplifting incident shortly before 10 a.m. at the Ephrata Walmart. Store personnel told authorities that Edmonds was accompanied by a woman and they drove away in a white Dodge pickup.
Police received another shoplifting call from the Ephrata Safeway around 5:10 p.m. when store personnel attempted to question the couple who left with merchandise after a failed credit card transaction.
The two alleged thefts involved goods with a total value of $898, according to the EPD report. Police were also told that Edmonds punched his female companion in the mouth while the 30-year-old Spokane woman was driving because she braked too hard when stopping for a vehicle in front of them.
When questioned by officers, the woman said she was afraid of Edmonds due to ongoing abuse and came to Ephrata in hopes a local family member could help her get away from him. The woman voluntarily surrendered some suspected drugs hidden in her bra.
When their truck was searched, officers allegedly recovered a .45-caliber handgun and prescription medication listed in Edmonds’ name.
Edmonds, who has an extensive criminal history, was arrested and booked into the Grant County Jail on suspicion of unlawful possession of a firearm, organized retail theft, trafficking in stolen property, and fourth-degree assault (domestic violence).
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Spokane man jailed for local store thefts, assault
Merchandise valued at nearly $900.
EPHRATA — A Spokane man was arrested Sunday after allegedly stealing merchandise from two local businesses and assaulting a female companion.
Richard Dean Edmonds, 39, was taken into custody after being located by police Sunday evening at a gas station in the 300 block of Basin Street S.W.
Edmonds was initially identified as a suspect in a shoplifting incident shortly before 10 a.m. at the Ephrata Walmart. Store personnel told authorities that Edmonds was accompanied by a woman and they drove away in a white Dodge pickup.
Police received another shoplifting call from the Ephrata Safeway around 5:10 p.m. when store personnel attempted to question the couple who left with merchandise after a failed credit card transaction.
The two alleged thefts involved goods with a total value of $898, according to the EPD report. Police were also told that Edmonds punched his female companion in the mouth while the 30-year-old Spokane woman was driving because she braked too hard when stopping for a vehicle in front of them.
When questioned by officers, the woman said she was afraid of Edmonds due to ongoing abuse and came to Ephrata in hopes a local family member could help her get away from him. The woman voluntarily surrendered some suspected drugs hidden in her bra.
When their truck was searched, officers allegedly recovered a .45-caliber handgun and prescription medication listed in Edmonds’ name.
Edmonds, who has an extensive criminal history, was arrested and booked into the Grant County Jail on suspicion of unlawful possession of a firearm, organized retail theft, trafficking in stolen property, and fourth-degree assault (domestic violence).