CAUGHT ON TAPE: The image of a man suspected of stealing from numerous Ballard businesses hangs in Cugini Cafe. The image was taken from Cugini's security camera Dec. 28 and circulated around the neighborhood. Police arrested the man Dec. 31 in Ballard.
A 46-year-old man suspected of stealing from numerous businesses in Ballard in the past few weeks was arrested Dec. 31 near 20th Avenue Northwest and Market Street for an outstanding warrant in Missouri.
According to victims, the man is suspected of entering businesses on Market Street and Ballard Avenue during business hours and taking money from back offices, safes and employee's purses.
The man is suspected of entering, attempting to enter or stealing from Lucca, Kitchen N Things, Romanza, Portalis, Cugini Cafe, the Olympic Athletic Club, Hattie's Hat, Greener Lifestyles and Dish D'lish, among others.
The suspect was caught on a security camera as he left Cugini Cafe during the Farmers Market Dec. 28 and his image was circulated throughout the neighborhood.
At 3:51 p.m. Dec. 31, the police received calls from many community members who noticed the man walking around the neighborhood.
The man was booked into King County Jail for investigation of a fugitive, but detectives are investigating the crimes in Ballard before deciding to press further charges.
Michael Harthorne can be reached at michaelh@robinsonnews.com.
