Botched Bong Heist Escalates Into Police Pursuit

Puyallup WA

20 May, 2021

2:24 PM

Description

PARKLAND, WA — One man is facing nearly a half dozen charges after a smoke shop robbery went awry in Parkland earlier this month. According to the Pierce County Sheriff's Department, back on May 6 that man entered a smoke shop on Pacific Ave South in Parkland. While perusing their wares, he picked up a $250 bong, but instead of buying it, tried the oldest ruse in the book: he pointed over a nearby employee's shoulder, yelled "What's that?" and ran off when the employee turned. Unfortunately for the toke taker, that employee caught on quickly and followed him into the parking lot where they tussled and broke the bong. His haul smashed, the suspect fled in a black SUV. After reviewing surveillance footage of the botched theft, a deputy reportedly recognized the suspect from a prior incident. On Tuesday, a deputy saw the suspect driving in the Spanaway area, and tried to pull him over. Once again, the suspect chose to flee, but after a short police chase he crashed his SUV and had to run for it on foot. A K9 unit ultimately captured him hiding in the bed of a pickup truck. He has since been booked into jail and charged with second degree robbery, attempting to elude an officer, obstructing justice and reckless driving. A judge has set his bail at $50,000.