EVERETT — Here is a story of brotherly love and felonies.
At least, that’s how the Everett police tell it.
An Everett pair — Jose Antonio Riojas and David Miranda, both 25 — are under investigation for first-degree robbery after a shoplifting incident at a south Everett store turned violent Sunday.
Riojas allegedly was spotted on closed-circuit television attempting to shoplift about $9 worth of makeup. He was grabbed by loss-prevention officers as he headed to the door, according to Everett police reports.
There was a struggle, and Riojas wound up pinned on the floor.
That’s when Miranda walked into the store. “Please help me,” Riojas reportedly said in Spanish.
Store security tried to explain what was happening, but Miranda reportedly removed his jacket and got busy. There was pushing and one of the loss-prevention officers was kneed in the head, police said.
The other man eventually fled and Riojas was wrestled into handcuffs. When later searched, he reportedly was carrying a packet of methamphetamine.
He said the drugs weren’t his. He also said it was just coincidence that Miranda, whom he identified as his brother, was in the store when the arrest occurred.
Riojas said he took the makeup, intending to give it to his girlfriend.
Somebody at the store wrote down Miranda’s license plate. Police tracked him down that way, reports said.
Shoplifting is a misdemeanor. It can lead to a robbery charge, however, if the suspect resists arrest or otherwise uses force.
Scott North: 425-339-3431, north@heraldnet.com
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