Wanted Suspect Fails in Attempt to Steal Over $2,700 Worth of Merchandise
Spokane Valley Deputies responded to a reported theft from a store in the 15600 block of E. Sprague Avenue in Spokane Valley. The suspect tossed the items in the parking lot before jumping over a fence in an attempt to escape. Deputies searched the area and located the suspect a short distance away. During the investigation, Deputies learned that the suspect fled after leaving the store without paying for a cart full of merchandise totaling $2,730.98. He was booked into jail for felony theft and a misdemeanor theft warrant.
On May 24, 2025, at approximately 9:40 pm, Spokane Valley Deputies responded to a reported theft at a store in the 15600 block of E. Sprague.
An employee advised a male suspect, later identified as 58-year-old Donald E. Tibbitts Jr., left the store without paying for a cart full of merchandise. He described the suspect as a white male in his 50s, wearing a gray shirt, tan cargo shorts, and a black hat.
Employees told arriving Deputies that Tibbitts Jr. tossed the items in the parking lot, jumped a fence, and was last seen running to the east.
Deputies checked the area and located the suspect near the intersection of Sprague and Conklin. Deputies detained Tibbitts Jr., who was still breathing heavily and covered in sweat.
After being advised of his rights, Tibbitts Jr. stated that he attempted to leave the store, pushing the full cart, but the wheels locked up, so he ran away without the stolen items.
A check of his name revealed an active misdemeanor warrant for his arrest (Theft 3rd Degree).
Employees of the store provided a receipt showing the estimated value of the items that Tibbitts attempted to steal was over $2,700.
Tibbitts Jr. was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Theft 2nd Degree, a felony, and his misdemeanor warrant.
Tibbitts Jr. remains in the Spokane County Jail with his total bond set at $5,250.
This Spokane County Sheriff Office news article "Wanted Suspect Fails in Attempt to Steal Over $2,700 Worth of Merchandise" was originally found on https://www.spokanecounty.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?CID=7