Arrest made in bicycle theft and shoplifting incidents in La Grande
By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Monday, October 7th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – (Release from La Grande Police Department) On Thursday, October 3, 2024, shortly after 6:00 pm the La Grande Police Department arrested 18-year-old Keith Reece, of La Grande, in connection with the theft of a bicycle and two shoplifting incidents at Safeway.
On October 2, 2024, a local resident reported his Trek bicycle stolen from the west entrance of Safeway. Initial attempts to locate a suspect were unsuccessful.
On October 3, 2024, Safeway’s Loss Prevention team provided video surveillance footage from the previous day of a male, later identified as Reece, entering the store, stealing merchandise, and then exiting. Reece was also seen taking the victim’s bicycle immediately after leaving the store.
Later on October 3, Reece returned to Safeway, where he was contacted and detained by La Grande Police officers. During the investigation, officers discovered that Reece had stolen additional merchandise during this second visit, including a six-pack of Coors beer, which was still in his possession.
Reece was arrested on charges of Theft II for the bicycle theft and two counts of Theft III related to the two separate shoplifting incidents. He was transported and lodged in the Union County Correctional Facility.
The La Grande Police Department extends its appreciation to Safeway’s Loss Prevention team for their cooperation and assistance in resolving these incidents.
