K-9 Nabs ‘Thief’ Who Broke Into Hop Thief Bar in College Place

College Place Police noticed the name of the business the suspect broke into matches his current 'job description.'

 'Thief' Breaks into Hop Thief Taphouse in College Place

 Hop Thief Taphouse is an establishment in College Place featuring a variety of beers, and food.

Early Saturday morning, College Place Police responded to what they said was an "interior motion alarm" at the business, around 4 AM.

Police saw the suspect, later identified as 23-year-old Raul Melgar Moreno, exit the building, but then spun back around and went back in when he saw THEM.

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After about 30 minutes of urging Moreno to exit and follow commands without success, K-9 Murphy of the Walla Walla Police Department was 'sent in' and located him hiding under a table.  Moreno gave up without a fight.

 Suspect had at least $500 on him stolen from business

Moreno had a sizable wad of cash taken from the business stolen from the cash box. Officers say he broke in through a second-story balcony door of the two-door establishment.

During his booking College Place Police also learned:

"...Melgar Moreno was released on his own recognizance by a judge on 02/09/2022. Melgar Moreno was previously booked into jail on 02/05/2022 on charges of Robbery in the 2nd Degree, Theft of Motor Vehicle, Assault in the 4th Degree (Domestic Violence), Possession of a Stolen Vehicle and Attempting to Elude a Police Vehicle."

It appears THAT method didn't prevent him from continuing his job description as a 'thief'.   College Place Police say the following charges have been added:

"...Burglary in the 2nd Degree, Theft in the 3rd Degree and Obstructing a Law Enforcement Officer."