SHOPLIFTING: Police on Dec. 5 were dispatched to Walmart for a report of a shoplifter who fled on foot toward Petco. Walmart security recognized the suspect from prior shoplifting incidents. Security witnessed the suspect leave the store with two large bags of dog food before fleeing. The dog food, valued at about $46, was recovered. The suspect was later identified in a photo lineup. Police are following up.

YOU KNOW WHY: Officers on Dec. 5 were dispatched to Target for a report of a shoplifter who concealed a portable DVD player in a cart after removing the security tag. Security later found the box for the device in the automotive section. Police witnessed the suspect attempt to leave the store without paying for the device and detained him as he left. When frisked, police located a hard, flat item under his shirt and asked about it. The suspect responded that it was the reason they stopped him. The suspect admitted to attempting to steal the device, as well as a remote control from a previous visit. He was cited for theft and released.

MISSED the MONEY: Police in the early morning of Dec. 9 responded to a report of a vehicle prowl in the 5500 block of 195th Avenue East. The victim reported his wallet and stereo missing from the car, though the prowler missed $40 in cash in the ashtray. Police are investigating.

ARSON: Police late on Dec. 9 were dispatched to the 19000 block of 75th Street East for a possible arson to a vehicle. East Pierce Fire and Rescue extinguished a vehicle on fire in the driveway. The house was unsecured, but no one appeared to be around. No sign of accelerants were found. Police forwarded the case to investigation for follow-up.

AN APPLE NOT FOR TEACHER: Police on Dec. 13 were dispatched to Bonney Lake High School for a report of 16-year-old in possession of drug paraphernalia. The student admitted to administrators to being under the influence of marijuana. School security searched the student’s vehicle with permission and discovered a red apple used as a smoking device. The student admitted to police the apple was paraphernalia. He was immediately expelled. He was arrested for unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and released to a parent.