Investigators have uncovered more details about a lottery ticket theft that occurred at a La Center gas station last week. The thief who stole the tickets had an accomplice, according to investigators with Loss Prevention Group.
Shortly before 10 p.m. Wednesday, two men entered Paradise Truck Stop, 2814 N.W. 319th St. While one of the thieves distracted a cashier at the deli counter, the other crawled on the floor, went behind the cashier counter and stole several hundred dollars worth of Washington scratch tickets, according to Loss Prevention Group.
Both thieves were captured by video surveillance. One of them had short brown hair and was wearing sage-colored pants, a black DC t-shirt and a black hooded sweatshirt. The other was wearing a gray shirt with blue jeans and dark shoes.
About 30 minutes after they left the store together, some of the tickets were redeemed for cash at ampm, 6300 Pioneer St., in Ridgefield. The man who distracted the deli counter employee was the one who cashed in the tickets for a reported $90. While in the convenience store, he also stole several lighters from a display rack while the clerk processed the winnings.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Officer Jerry Lester at 360-263-2745 or 360-263-2750 and reference case No. 14-00008. Loss Prevention Group is offering an award for information leading to the thief’s identity.
