Always the low price? Stolen
Brian Walker | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 11 years, 4 months AGO
Four brothers on Tuesday were arrested for an alleged string of thefts, including targeting both Post Falls Walmart stores.
The suspects, tied to at least 15 cases in the region, were arrested after a three-month, multi-agency investigation.
Vitaliy Kozubenko, 24, Denis, 25, Dmitriy, 18, and their juvenile brother, all of Spokane Valley, were arrested at their home without incident for multiple felony charges that include trafficking stolen property, burglary and possession of a controlled substance.
"A lot of the items were being sold on Craigslist," said Mark Goodwin, Post Falls detective, referring what led police to the arrests.
Detectives said the brothers would allegedly steal items such as high-end vacuum cleaners, carpet cleaners, sewing machines and air conditioning units, then try to sell them online.
Goodwin said police believe the suspects targeted the Post Falls Walmart stores at least six times over the past three months.
Spokane County Deputy Craig Chamberlin said the total value of the stolen merchandise is not known.
"We're still finding and collecting stolen items," Chamberlin said.
Post Falls Police Chief Scot Haug said the arrests show how law enforcement agencies in both states are collaborating on cases and how department stores in the region are now sharing theft information with each other and police.
"The information sharing has been a huge help in solving these kinds of crimes," said Haug, adding that quarterly meetings are held between store security staff and police.
In addition to the Post Falls Walmart stores, Kohl's and Fred Meyer are among the stores in the region that were allegedly targeted.
Vitaliy, Denis and their juvenile brother all have a criminal history, including theft.
Additional arrests are expected, Chamberlin said.
ARTICLES BY BRIAN WALKER
Two arrests made in heroin trafficking case
POST FALLS — Two Shoshone County men were arrested in a heroin trafficking case during a traffic stop on Interstate 90 at Post Falls last week.
Ingraham charged with first-degree murder
The 20-year-old nephew of a Post Falls man found dead in Boundary County in September has been charged with first-degree murder of his uncle.
Is arming teachers a good idea or over-reaction?
No movement in region to go that route to enhance school safety
While the idea of arming teachers, as a means to increase school safety, is catching on in some areas, there’s no such momentum in Kootenai County.