Seattle police catch and release suspects in targeted retail theft operation at Victoria's Secret

Seattle police officers arrested three suspected shoplifters at Victoria’s Secret, including a 28-year-old felon known to law enforcement as a violent offender, during a targeted Retail Theft Operation at the University Village shopping center. They then released two of the suspects.

According to police, on the evening of December 23, patrol officers were conducting the operation at approximately 7:15 pm when they arrested two women, ages 28 and 34, for allegedly stealing merchandise from Victoria’s Secret. Officers recovered $173 worth of stolen items and seized several weapons and tools from one of the suspects, including a fixed-blade knife, a lockpick kit, and brass knuckles. The two women were identified and released at the scene. Police recommended that criminal charges be referred to the Seattle City Attorney’s Office.

Later in the operation, the store’s Loss Prevention manager reported two additional suspects attempting to steal. When officers moved in to apprehend them, the suspects ran through the parking lot and reportedly discarded merchandise as they fled. Police captured and arrested one of the men, while the second suspect escaped and remains at large.

The arrested man, also 28-years-old, has a prior criminal history that includes convictions for assault and robbery. Police booked him into the King County Jail on suspicion of Organized Retail Theft and Obstructing a Public Officer.

In total, officers recovered $759 in stolen merchandise connected to the later incident. The second suspect involved in that theft was not located, and the case is now considered open and active, assigned to the department’s General Investigations Unit. Victoria’s Secret issued a trespass notice against all three suspects, barring them from returning to the store.

According to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the individuals arrested were referred to the Seattle City Attorney’s Office rather than to King County prosecutors. Officials emphasized that these decisions are typically made based on available admissible evidence and legal requirements, and clarified that the case was not declined by King County prosecutors.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities continue searching for the outstanding suspect.