APD Arrests Repeat Shoplifter During Home Depot Blitz

Sunday Sept. 12, 2021

Detectives with APD’s Organized Crime Unit worked with Northwest Proactive Response Team officers to arrest repeat offender Michael Johnston on Friday during a 2-day blitz at Home Depot locations in the city.

Detectives were on the lookout for 5 repeat offenders, including Johnston, who recently shoplifted over $2,500 of tools and air compressors. They identified Johnston as he pulled into the parking lot of one of the locations in the same white Mercedez that was used in all his previous shopliftings. He had two felony warrants for probation violations for shoplifting offenses. He was booked on another shoplifting charge, concealing identity and his felony warrants.

Detectives focused on Home Depot locations at 1220 N Renaissance Blvd. NE and 2820 Coors Blvd. NW.

Two other offenders (James Breslin and Raymond Rodriguez) were charged with felony shoplifting and conspiracy while the misdemeanor shoplifter (Salavador Jaramillo), who committed the crime while police witnessed it, was charged with shoplifting in addition to eluding police.

Detectives also recovered $1,687.50 in merchandise from attempted shoplftings/robberies.