By Traci Chapman, Managing Editor
After two suspects hit the same Yukon hardware store weeks apart, Yukon Police Department officials are hoping someone in the community can assist in their efforts to identify the pair.
The store – Whatchamacallit Tools – was first hit in late January, Maj. Matt Fairchild said. At that time, two individuals allegedly stole several 40-volt lithium batteries; they were captured on the surveillance camera.
At least one of the individuals returned to the store last week, where the suspect got into a physical altercation with the store’s manager, allegedly threatening him with a hammer.
The manager, Ryan Johnston, was not injured, but the suspect’s actions were concerning, Fairchild said.
“It’s obviously a threatening situation by someone who could be dangerous,” he said.
The manager reported to officers the suspect in last week’s robbery tried to exit through a back door after stealing merchandise from a storage room filled with inventory. When he discovered the door was locked, the suspect attempted to run out the front door.
That’s when Johnston confronted him, officers said. The store manager retreated when threatened with the hammer, he told investigators.
Yukon police believe the second man who entered the store in January was driving the man who entered the store last week. The car utilized by the pair was believed to be a blue Nissan Pathfinder.
Fairchild said Tuesday the department was hoping someone in the community would recognize both suspects, particularly with the escalation of events and the man’s choice to pick up a potential weapon.
“We just want to make sure they’re caught and don’t ultimately hurt someone,” Fairchild said.
Anyone who might have information about the suspects or robberies is asked to contact Yukon Police Department’s investigations division at (405) 350-5520.
