A Centralia man is facing robbery and assault charges after allegedly attempting to steal merchandise from Chehalis Outfitters, formerly the Sunbird Shopping Center, on Friday morning.
The Chehalis Police Department was dispatched to the store, located on North National Avenue in Chehalis, on Friday. When an officer arrived, the subject was seen on the ground in handcuffs.
Staff alleged the subject had attempted to conceal items and leave the store without paying when he was told to stop more than once. A staff member then reportedly attempted to get in front of the man to stop him from leaving when the subject allegedly struck the staffer. The two engaged physically until the staffer brought the man to the ground.
The man also reportedly had multiple outstanding warrants for theft, according to the affidavit of probable cause. As of Friday morning, he was being held in the Lewis County Jail.
On the Chehalis Outfitters’ Facebook page in the last year, there have been several posts about shoplifting attempts that included photos of the alleged subjects.
“Businesses across our county are dealing with shoplifting problems daily. This in turn is causing small businesses to increase security, enforce bag policies, reporting to the local authorities, possibly taking away from higher priority emergencies and more,” the business wrote on Facebook.
