KPD e-Press Release: Detectives Searching for Two Felony Shoplifters

Approximately 6:00 AM

2500 West Stone Drive

Kingsport, TN

General Narrative

On February 2, 2014 at approximately 6:00 AM, two white male suspects shoplifted six Kurio brand computer tablets from Wal-Mart, located at 2500 West Stone Drive in Kingsport.

The suspects opened a cardboard box containing an inexpensive grill set, emptied the contents, placed the six computer tablets inside, and then resealed the box. The duo then checked out and paid roughly $11 for the grill set which in reality contained the six computer tablets with a value of approximately $600.

Retailers are cautioned to be aware that this is a common technique utilized by shoplifters. Checkout clerks are encouraged to take extra steps to insure that the merchandise inside the box coincides with the box that is being purchased.

At the time of the incident, the suspects were driving a compact red or maroon 4-door hatchback or station wagon, believed to possibly be a Subaru Legacy or Forester.

A photo of the suspects and their getaway vehicle is included in this release.

Video surveillance footage from the incident can be viewed on the K.P.D. YouTube channel via the link below:

http://youtu.be/ONxyKStmb8c

Anyone who can help detectives identify either of these two individuals is asked to contact the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division at 423-229-9429 or Kingsport Central Dispatch at 423-246-9111.

For additional information, please contact:

Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

K.P.D. Professional Standards Unit

423-229-9433

ThomasMPatton@KingsportTN.gov

K.P.D. Professional Standards Unit