A member of the Marion County Board on his way home started following a vehicle that ended in the arrest of two for theft of more than $500 in merchandise from the Salem Walmart store.
Board member and Centralia Police Administrative Sergeant Steve Whritenour reported being passed by the vehicle at 90 miles per hour on the Green Street Road. The vehicle was followed onto the Brick Hill Road and eventually into a driveway on the Gragg Street Road in Centralia where the occupants were questioned. The car and trunk were found loaded with a large variety of items that police believe were stolen from the Salem Walmart Store. The value of the items was placed at over $500.
32-year-old Timothy Smith of Adams Road in Kell and passenger 31-year-old Lacy Heitkamp of Morton Lane in Kell were both arrested for felony theft. Smith was also arrested for reckless driving, driving on a suspended license, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Heitkamp was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a narcotic instrument.
Both were taken to the Marion County Jail.
Whritenour recognized the two after the stop and they made no attempt to getaway. He was assisted by another Centralia officer who arrived just after the traffic stop.
Photos: Timothy Smith and Lacy Heitkamp.
