CLARKSTON, WA – A Clarkston man was arrested on March 3rd in connection with an alleged identity theft case that began in February.

According to an affidavit from the Clarkston Police Department, officers were alerted to a fraudulent transaction attempt at Walmart on February 22. The victim reported that his wallet had been lost in the days prior and that his bank cards were being used without authorization.

Surveillance footage from Walmart showed a white male attempting to use one of the stolen cards at a self-checkout register for a transaction totaling $338.99. The purchase was declined. The suspect was described as wearing a tan hat, a black hoodie with a “CAT” logo, jeans, and work boots. Walmart associates indicated that multiple cards were attempted during the transaction.

On March 3rd, the Clarkston Police Department posted an image of the suspect to social media. Multiple tips identified the individual as Eric Michael Burnet.

Officers attempted to contact Burnet by phone on March 3rd. He initially denied remembering if he had been at Walmart on February 22 but declined to answer further questions after being informed of the surveillance footage.

Later that day, officers located Burnet at his residence on Sycamore Street. He was placed under arrest and transported to jail without incident. The stolen wallet and bank cards were not recovered.

Burnet has been charged with identity theft in the second degree. The case remains under investigation.