CLARKSTON, WA – Clarkston police arrested 28-year-old William R. Arnold on February 23rd following an incident at the Walmart located on 5th Street. According to the Clarkston Police Department, officers responded to a report of an alleged shoplifter fleeing the store at approximately 8:27 a.m.
An officer located Arnold near Basalt Cellars on Port Drive, where he was found attempting to hide under several wooden barrels. After being detained, Arnold admitted to taking an electric scooter from the store, stating he needed it for transportation to treatment due to mobility challenges related to cerebral palsy. He also acknowledged taking other items, including a backpack, Bluetooth ear pods, and tools, with the intention of trading them for narcotics.
Walmart loss prevention staff reported that Arnold, who had previously been trespassed from the business, was seen pushing a shopping cart loaded with merchandise through an emergency exit. The total value of the recovered items was $632.40.
Arnold was booked into jail on burglary charges. Authorities noted he was found with one Bluetooth earbud in his ear and an active police scanner app on his phone. The case remains under investigation.
