Two are arrested for theft at church
By Terry Murry on Friday, May 12th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – Police Chief Chuck Byram credits witnesses with helping officers solve a theft case at the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints Thursday. Jailed and charged with first-degree theft and second-degree criminal trespass are Anne Marie Helme, 33, of Yakima and Amanda Luisa Clark of Wapato.
Byram said the investigation is continuing and additional charges are possible as detectives follow through with their probe. He said it all began at 7:22 a.m. Thursday when officers were dispatched to the church at 609 NW 12th St. on a report that two unknown individuals had entered the church and stolen property belonging to two high school students.
“The property consisted of two Chromebooks, credit/debit cards, athletic gear and other personal property valued at over $1000.00,” Byram said. “The property was contained in backpacks that the students had in the hallway of the church.
He said that the officers obtained detailed descriptions of both the suspects and their vehicle from those on the scene.
“At approximately 10:28 a.m., Lieutenant Tony Nelson observed a vehicle in the 300 block of SW 10th Street that matched the description of the suspect vehicle,” Byram wrote. “Additionally, the two occupants inside the vehicle matched the description of the two suspects involved in the theft. The individuals were contacted and detained after a backpack located in plain view in the backseat of the vehicle was positively identified as belonging to one of the victim students.”
Officers retrieved stolen property from the vehicle before it was towed from the scene.
