Seattle police (SPD) arrested two men Thursday, suspected of stealing more than $50,000 worth of merchandise from local retailers, including multiple REI stores and a Lululemon store.
Police have been searching for the suspects since January 12 after 185 pairs of pants and leggings were stolen from the Alderwood Mall Lululemon.
Lynnwood police, who reached out to SPD after those thefts, say approximately $20,000 of merchandise was stolen over the course of two days.
Lynnwood police say they have been in constant contact with officers in Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, and Tukwila, as well as loss prevention officials at multiple stores and shopping centers, looking for the suspects.
On Thursday, loss prevention officers contacted Lynnwood police after a theft at the REI in Bellevue. Lynnwood police, in turn, reached out to Seattle police.
The suspects were believed to be driving a blue minivan with a California license plate; it was seen driving around downtown Seattle and the Chinatown-International District.
After searching the areas, officers found the van at 12th Avenue South and South Weller Street. They followed the van to a nearby convenience store on Rainier Avenue South.
Officers say they found new North Face jackets, with the tags still on, inside the van. One of the suspects was allegedly wearing a North Face jacket, with the tags still attached.
The men, ages 25 and 35, were arrested. Officers also found a stolen bank card, drugs, and cash inside the van.
Both were booked into jail.