BLANTON
TAYLOR
RYAN SCOTT OTTNEY
PDT Staff Writer
NEW BOSTON — After asking for help identifying suspects in a weekend Kmart theft, the New Boston Police quickly made two arrests in the case on Thursday.
According to police, one suspect entered the Kmart lawn and garden department Friday evening and opened an exit door to let inside the other male suspect. Both male suspects then walked out of the store with a lawn mower and a window air conditioner without paying for the items. The act was captured by Kmart security cameras, but the suspects were not immediately identified.
New Boston Police Capt. Steve Goins turned to the public for help identifying the two suspects. Within hours a match was made by an anonymous tip who recognized the men in the security camera photos published Thursday in the newspaper. The men were identified as William Taylor, 36, of 3178 Walnut St., Portsmouth, and Joe Blanton, 34, of 3174 1/2 Walnut St.
Goins responded to Blanton’s address with Ptl. Brian Reed, and found both suspects in the apartment. Goins said both men admitted to stealing the items from Kmart, and then selling the items to get money.
Taylor and Blanton were each arrested and charged with first-degree misdemeanor theft. They were transported to the New Boston Police Department for booking, and then taken to the Scioto County Jail pending their court appearance Friday at Portsmouth Municipal Court.
Ryan Scott Ottney can be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 235, or rottney@heartlandpublications.com.
Does no good to catch these people when the judges turn them right back out on the streets !