Image: Lacey Police Department via Home Depot
A 29-year-old Olympia man was arrested following multiple alleged thefts at Home Depot stores in Washington. Paul Hoa Tran was taken into custody by Lacey police, with assistance from Olympia officers, after being identified in a theft at the Lacey Home Depot on September 26.
According to reports, store security observed Tran attempting to leave with several buckets valued at approximately $3,490. He fled the scene in a vehicle later confirmed to be registered to him. Tran was located at an Olympia residence on September 30 and was transported to the Thurston County Corrections Facility without incident.
Investigators say Tran may also be connected to a similar theft at a Chehalis Home Depot in early September and a smaller incident at the Lacey store in July. The total value of merchandise involved in the three incidents is estimated at nearly $6,000.
Tran was booked on charges of organized retail theft and second-degree theft and has been banned from all Home Depot locations. The investigation remains ongoing as store security continues reviewing footage to determine if he may have been involved in additional incidents at other stores.
This case highlights ongoing efforts by retail security teams and law enforcement to prevent and address theft in local stores.
