'Prolific' shoplifter arrested at South Hill Walmart thanks to watchful employee
SOUTH HILL, Wash. -- Deputies say they arrested a shoplifter Sunday at the South Hill Walmart store with the help of an observant store employee.
According to the Pierce County Sheriff's Office, 54-year-old James Duane has been captured "numerous times" on camera shoplifting items from this store. Investigators say he's stolen several FitBit fitness trackers, a power drill and camping equipment.
Deputies said a store employee spotted Duane in his car in the Walmart parking lot and called 911. Deputies responded and told Duane they had probable cause to arrest him and took him into custody.
He is being held at the Pierce County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bail.
Deputies said he has a recent felony conviction for felony retail theft and is forbidden from entering Walmart stores.
Back in May, deputies say he pushed a store employee who confronted him, escalating the charge in that crime to a strong arm robbery.