More than $15K in stolen merchandise found in Salem storage locker, police say

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — An investigation into a suspected retail thief resulted in the recovery of more than $15,000 in stolen merchandise from Home Depot, Target, T.J Maxx, Ross, Nike, Lucky Brand Outlet and Fred Meyer, the Springfield Police Department said.

On Dec. 16, the Springfield Police Department Crime Reduction Unit served a search warrant at a storage unit in Salem, where 41-year-old Ruben Ramirez was suspected to have stashed stolen property. Upon searching the storage unit, officers found a hoard of stolen Milwaukee brand tools and appliances, an e-bike, two electric scooters and a variety of other items taken from big-box stores in Lane County.

“While returning the stolen property, it was discovered that the suspect Ramirez had 27 documented incidents of theft or attempted theft from Home Depot stores alone,” the Springfield Police Department said.”Those incidents resulted in tens of thousands of dollars in stolen merchandise from locations in Eugene, Albany, Sherwood, Beaverton, Oregon City and Corvallis.”

Ramirez is currently in custody at the Washington County Jail and is awaiting transfer to Lane County for prosecution.