By SALINA POST
Salina Police Department (SPD) officers are investigating a series of connected shoplifting incidents that occurred on December 13, involving a coordinated theft targeting Dick’s Sporting Goods and Old Navy in Salina. SPD Captain James Feldman said the suspects stole over $1,800 worth of merchandise before fleeing the area in a vehicle with Texas license plates. One suspect was arrested in Manhattan, Kansas, while two others remain at large.
The first reported shoplifting incident occurred at Dick’s Sporting Goods, 2450 South Ninth Street, just after 4 p.m. Store employees reported that three individuals—a Black female, a second Black female estimated to be around 30 years old, and a Black male between 28 and 30 years old, approximately 6’1” entered the store.
Feldman said witnesses observed one female loading clothing into a shopping cart while the male carried an armful of items. When the first female pushed the cart toward the exit without paying, the others followed her. The trio left the scene in a gray or silver Kia SUV with Texas license plates, stealing more than $1,300 worth of merchandise.
Earlier that same day, between 3:20 p.m. and 3:45 p.m., a similar group was spotted at Old Navy, 2259 South Ninth Street, inside the Central Mall. Employees reported that one female carried a large quantity of clothing still on hangers while the male held an Old Navy shopping bag filled with items. The suspects ignored employees’ presence and walked out without paying, stealing approximately $500 worth of merchandise.
Following the Dick's Sporting Goods theft, SPD issued an attempt-to-locate alert for the vehicle. Riley County Police Officers later stopped a vehicle matching the description SPD provided. RCPD officers linked the vehicle to additional thefts reported at stores, including Best Buy and Burlington Coat Factory in Manhattan, Kansas.
RCPD arrested 37-year-old Alonzo Lax Jr. of Topeka at 8:47 p.m. on December 13 at 400 Third Place in Manhattan. He faces charges including shoplifting, theft of property worth $1,500 or less, and possession of a stimulant. The two female suspects involved remain at large.
SPD continues investigating the incidents and encourages anyone with information to contact them at (785) 826-7210.