Bold Booze Bandit: Help fight growing grocery store problem by identifying 'brazen' liquor thief

WANTED IN ISSAQUAH -- Recognize this liquor thief who struck at a Safeway in Issaquah? He stole hundreds of dollars’ worth of booze and detectives say identifying him will help fight an ever-growing grocery store problem. "On the video you can see the gentleman shoving the bottles of liquor down the front of his shirt,” says Issaquah Police Det. Laura Asbell. “You can see him trying to hide the alcohol. Loss prevention observed this happening. As he passed all points of sale, the loss prevention officer attempted to make physical contact with the suspect as they were leaving. He ended up grabbing him by the collar of his vest that he had on and he slipped out of his jacket and was able to flee. The two bottles that were down his shirt fell out. He got away with three other bottles of liquor. Since the grocery stores started selling liquor we see a lot more thefts occurring where people just go in, grab a bottle or two of liquor and just flee out of the store, so something like this, it's brazen. We'd like to be able to catch him or at least identify him."

The camera got a really good look at him as he calmly loitered around the liquor aisle for several minutes before he started boosting the booze, but the shot snapped of him leaving the store is even better. Detectives think he's Native American and in his 30's. They recovered a bag they think was his that had heroin and several needles inside. If you know his name, call an anonymous tip into: CRIME STOPPERS: 1-800-222-TIPS You must call the Crime Stoppers hotline with your tip to be eligible to receive a cash reward for information leading to a fugitive’s arrest. CLICK HERE for information on how to TEXT A TIP to Crime Stoppers.