The 25-year-old Christopher Blancas is suspected of stealing thousands of dollars in merchandise from Marshalls and Target in Hazel Dell over the past year
On Tuesday (Aug. 27) Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputies arrested Christopher Blancas (25) on dozens of retail theft charges.
Blancas is suspected of stealing thousands of dollars in merchandise from Marshalls and Target in Hazel Dell over the past year.
CCSO’s Tactical Detective Unit (TDU) previously identified Blancas as the suspect in more than 30 theft cases dating back to June 2023. During multiple thefts, Blancas wore a face mask and used tools to cut off anti-theft devices. When confronted by store employees or loss prevention officers, Blancas was uncooperative or fled.
On Aug. 27, CCSO Deputy Michael Gonzalez and his K9 partner Knox patrolled near the Safeway in Hazel Dell. Dep. Gonzalez observed Blancas walking outside the store and recognized him as the suspect in a string of retail thefts.
Dep. Gonzalez and Dep. Ryan Bylsma placed Blancas into custody without incident. Blancas admitted to multiple thefts.
Blancas is suspected of committing 14 thefts at Target and 18 at Marshalls.
His charges include:
- Organized retail theft (RCW 9A.56.350)
- Retail theft with special circumstances (RCW 9A.56.360)
- Theft in the third degree (RCW 9A.56.050)
“We know retail theft is a concern in our community,’’ read a CCSO statement Friday. “In the past few months, CCSO has worked alongside local businesses to increase targeted missions to combat retail theft in Clark County.
“Often, retail theft suspects are not stealing items for personal use but are part of organized theft rings that steal items to be sold for cash or returned to stores for a fraudulent ‘refund,’’’ the statement continues. “Many of these subjects are also involved in other crimes, such as vehicle theft, illegal possession of firearms, drug distribution, identity theft, and more.
“These missions aim not only to disrupt retail thefts but also to impact additional associated criminal activity. The Clark County Sheriff’s Office and our retail partners will continue conducting retail theft missions in our community. Those engaging in retail theft in Clark County will be arrested and jailed.’’
Information provided by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
Also read:
- US Senate blocks Trump’s SAVE America Act
The 48-50 Senate vote fell far short of the 60 needed to overcome a filibuster and advance Trump’s voter ID bill. - Letter: The logistics crisis of universal mail-in voting
Jonathan Hines argues that roughly 70% of voters already bypass mail in favor of drop boxes and in-person delivery. - POLL: Would you support upgrading and reusing the existing Interstate Bridges if it saved billions of dollars?
Rep. John Ley questions whether $400M in bridge demolition costs could be redirected to other regional transportation needs. - VIDEO: Battle Ground mayor stands by pro-ICE, anti-Antifa proclamations
Battle Ground Mayor Eric Overholser signed proclamations on ICE and Antifa, drawing national media attention to the city of 23,000. - WPC Forum asks if Washington is a state that is friendly for businesses and workers
Panelists clashed over the new millionaire’s tax, minimum wage, retail theft, and AI’s threat to the workforce. - Letter: TriMet’s history of over-predicting light rail ridership
TriMet’s MAX Green Line carried ~10,000–11,000 weekday riders in 2024–2026, less than a third of its 2020 forecast. - Class of 2026 spotlight: Hockinson’s Bridget Brennan prepares for U.S. Naval Academy
Bridget Brennan, Hockinson’s Class of 2026 salutatorian, is the third sibling appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy.
