A Bend man was arrested for stealing nearly five dozen bottles of alcohol from area liquor stores. On Sept. 4, Bend Police officers responded to a report of shoplifting at the Wagner Mall Liquor Beer & Wine shop on NE Third Street. The store owner reported that after discovering a $500 bottle of tequila missing from the shelf, she had reviewed video footage and noticed a man conceal three bottles of tequila in his pants before buying a $10 bottle of vodka. The theft totaled at least $680.
Officers were able to identify the suspect and, when contacting him on Sept. 9th, he stated he gives away the bottles to friends or in exchange for services.
When police contacted the suspect, he had five bottles of alcohol in his vehicle. He agreed to a search of his home in the 60000 block of Ashford Drive. At his home, officers located several cases of wine and liquor. In total, 57 bottles of wine and liquor were removed from his possession and stored as evidence at the Bend Police Department.
The seized bottles retail for an estimated $1,850. Area liquor stores and other retailers were advised to review their surveillance footage for thefts he may have committed. The original three tequila bottles were not recovered.
Additional charges may be forthcoming. If you believe your store was a victim of the recent thefts, please contact non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911 and reference case no. 2023-00054560.
