Warrant issued for arrest of accused Christmas tree thief Kyndal OGara Pierce



WARRANT ISSUED March 7, 2019 -- Kyndal O'Gara Pierce failed to appear in Tacoma Municipal court this afternoon for her arraignment on a charge of one count of Theft of Property or Services which did not exceed $750.00.

Prosecutors say she has failed to appear 16 times on other charges. The judge issued a $5,000 bench warrant for her arrest.

O'Gara Pierce is accused of stealing a box containing Alex Brain's Christmas tree off her porch on November 27th. "I was hoping she would show up but you can't force someone to come into court for their responsibilities," said Brain.
 Call 911 if you see Pierce or know where Tacoma Police can find her.
CHARGED Feb. 28, 2019 -- City prosecutors have charged a suspect accused of stealing Alex Brain's new Christmas tree from her porch on November 27th.  Kyndal Pierce is facing one count of theft of property or services which did not exceed $750.00.  She is scheduled to appear in Tacoma Municipal court on Thursday, March 7th at 1pm.

According to official court documents, Pierce was identified by tips to Tacoma Police after surveillance video was shared on social media, including the Q13 Fox News Facebook page.

WANTED Dec. 12, 2018 -- As Tacoma Police search for a real life Grinch seen on surveillance camera stealing a box containing Alex Brain's new Christmas tree, the community is stepping up make sure she has a happy holiday.

Brain had ordered the 6-foot tree from Target. She was on her way home from work when the thief stole the package right off her porch on Nov. 27.

When AJ Deloye with Target Asset Protection saw the video, he asked one question:

"How can we make that right?" he asked. "We just wanted the lady to have a great Christmas. That's the biggest thing we're are about at Target is reaching out to the community and when we saw a Christmas tree went missing, what's the easiest thing we can do for her? Just replace it. "

They didn't stop there.

Britney Mitchell who also works with Target Asset Protection selected the tree, picked out ornaments, a tree skirt, topper and decorations.

"We would drop everything in a heartbeat to make sure someone has a great holiday," Mitchell said.

It was a good warm up for their annual Heroes and Helpers event at the Target store on South 23rd Street.

Throughout the year, Tacoma police officers have money deducted from their paycheck. The money is used to buy Target gift cards. On Saturday, officers will escort 105 kids on a Christmas shopping spree with help from Target employees, a grant from the company and other local organizations.

"They come and they shop for their families and then we wrap everything up and make sure that they have a great experience. It shows the level of engagement that we have with our community and how much we truly care," said Mitchell.

Wednesday evening, I surprised Alex with her new 6 foot Pre-Lit tree, the decorations and a box of electric candles that my wife wrapped.

While Tacoma Police continue to search for the suspect,  Brain says this is a Christmas she will always remember.

"It's not gonna be because, 'Oh, I had my tree stolen,'" she said. "Its going to be because of how the community has come together."