Sgt. Terry Preuninger, PIO
Friday, December 27, 2019 at 11:29 a.m.
On 12/06/2019 a citizen called 911 to report seeing a package being stolen from the 5000 block of N. Lidgerwood. They stated a white female exited a blue Ford Ranger before she stole the package off of the porch of the residence. That female was seen getting back into the vehicle before leaving the area. The license plate came back to a blue 1989 Ford Ranger registered in the 2000 block of W. Wellesley.
On 12/08/2019, SPD received several surveillance photographs of recent package thefts in the City of Spokane. The suspect vehicle appeared to be an older Ford Ranger that is blue in color. There are at least two different package thefts captured on camera involving this described truck and a white female suspect. SPD located the vehicle at the 2000 block of W. Wellesley and observed the blue Ranger parked at the back of a residence. SPD continued their investigation, obtaining more video and photo evidence.
On 12/24/2019, SPD received another video of the same Ford Ranger. The video was taken earlier in the morning. In the video, you can see what appears to be a large white item in the bed of the truck. You can also see an unknown person carrying a package under their arm before walking to the direction of the Ranger. SPD drove by the 2000 block of W Wellesley and observed in the bed of the truck brand new tires that were wrapped in white bags that was consistent with the video.
Later on 12/24/2019, Christmas Eve, the SPD PACT Team obtained a search warrant and executed it at the suspect residence. During the search of the home, a large number of stolen presents were located. The suspect admitted to SPD that he was involved with the theft of the package that morning. There were approximately 35 items recovered as being identified as stolen by the suspect Duane Yarnell. SPD also seized several other items from inside of the home to include horse feed and a personalized gifts.
The female in the surveillance footage has been identified and the investigation is ongoing.
SPD would like to thank the public and emphasize how crucial their observations, surveillance videos, and tips were in apprehending this suspect. SPD is currently working to return the stolen gifts to their rightful owners.
