Using store’s own tools, man accused of attempting to break into locked display case

A medical furloughed prisoner was caught by Tumwater police attempting to break into a big box store’s electronic display case on Sun., Sept. 5.

Chase Aaron Martin, 22, of Hoquiam, told Tumwater police that he was on furlough and scheduled to have pancreas surgery in Grays Harbor on Sept. 6. According to two witnesses, Martin allegedly damaged a large merchandise case at the Walmart at 5900 Littlerock Road, using three tools he took from the tool department inside the store, as he attempted to steal expensive headphones.

Martin was unable to break into the locked display case, and ran toward the front of the store, exiting with a pair of gloves he had taken. One of the witnesses ran ahead of Martin and confronted him at the front of the store, asking, “Why are you doing this?” The other witness contacted store employees who contact the police.

Police  identified the car Martin was said by Walmart employees to be riding in as it headed northbound on Littlerock Road and followed it into the Fred Meyer parking lot. , The vehicle was driven by a friend who claimed to be unaware of what Martin was doing inside the store.

Martin admitted that he had smoked Percocet earlier in the morning, explaining that it had caused him to sweat profusely, according to the police report.

Walmart loss prevention noticed a saw, screwdriver and crowbar at the display case, which Martin had left behind.

Tumwater police arrested Martin, and located a “tooter” which is a plastic tube for smoking methamphetamine.

Martin was later cited for misdemeanor shoplifting and malicious mischief, then released due to his medical condition.

Police arranged for Martin to be transported to the hospital via ambulance due to shortness of breath.