CLARKSTON, WA – A 54-year-old man who reportedly told law enforcement officers that he steals from the Clarkston Walmart “for the thrill” was arrested yesterday on a burglary charge. Justin E. Kelley, who was previously trespassed from the store, was allegedly filling a shopping cart with merchandise when he noticed he was being watched by a Loss Prevention Officer and ditched the cart in the battery department, and ran to the tire center.
A Clarkston Police officer notified his partner, and they drove to the tire center. Kelley was detained.
According to a probable cause affidavit, “After a records check, I was advised that Justin had an active warrant for his arrest.”
The document adds that the warrant was issued for Failure to Appear for a Third-Degree Theft charge in connection with a previous alleged shoplifting incident at Walmart.
Kelley was read his Miranda rights and agreed to talk to the officers.
“Justin explained that he placed several items in his shopping cart, and was debating [whether] or not he should steal [them],” the affidavit says. Kelley reportedly told officers, “I do it for the thrill.”
“Justin knew he had the warrant and he was also aware that he was trespassed from the business,” the document says. “Although Justin knew these details, he continued to enter the business with the intent to steal merchandise.”
In addition to the warrant, Kelley was booked into the Asotin County Jail at 12:30 p.m. on one count of Second-Degree Burglary.
Photo of Justin E. Kelley courtesy of Facebook/META.
