Despite Citizen With Gun, Thief Flees Walmart into Canal

Walmart theft suspect jumps into canal to escape (Google street view Richland)

The search continues for the suspect, did he even make it out of the canal?

Richland Police seeking shoplifter

Around 10 AM Wednesday morning, Richland Police were called to the Walmart in Richland for a report of a theft in progress. According to police, the suspect was briefly delayed by a citizen who displayed a firearm in an effort to halt the male thief.

However, he continued to flee on foot. He was later spotted near the Duportail Bridge, but as officers closed in, the man jumped into the irrigation canal to escape capture. He was then seen fleeing into some brush near the Yakima River.

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The man remains at large, during the follow-up investigation, Police determined the citizen had a concealed weapons permit, and the gun was not directly pointed at anyone. He apparently simply displayed it to try to 'slow' the suspect.

RPD says they will release more information and surveillance images when they are available.