UPDATE:
On Oct. 4, 2023, Bend Police executed a search warrant at Brambila’s home in the 60000 block of Ashford Drive in Bend. During the initial theft investigation in September, officers had observed a large quantity of unopened Harbor Freight products in Brambila’s home.
When police searched Brambila’s home, they recovered 125 items stolen from Harbor Freight Tools totaling $3,739.23. Officers returned the stolen merchandise to the store.
Brambila was trespassed from Harbor Freight Tools for life, and was issued a criminal citation for first-degree theft.
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Date: Sept. 13, 2023
Case #: 2023-00054560
Incident: Bend man arrested for stealing nearly five dozen bottles of alcohol from area liquor stores
Arrested: Benjamin Brambila, 56-year-old Bend resident
Charges: Theft II – Shoplifting
On Sept. 4, Bend Police officers responded to a report of shoplifting at the Wagner Mall Liquor Beer & Wine shop on NE Third Street. The store owner reported that after discovering a $500 bottle of tequila missing from the shelf, she had reviewed video footage and noticed a man conceal three bottles of tequila in his pants before buying a $10 bottle of vodka. The theft totaled at least $680.
Officers were able to identify the suspect as Benjamin Brambila. When police contacted Brambila on Sept. 9, he stated he gives away the bottles to friends or in exchange for services.
When police contacted Brambila, he had five bottles of alcohol in his vehicle. He agreed to a search of his home in the 60000 block of Ashford Drive. At his home, officers located several cases of wine and liquor. In total, 57 bottles of wine and liquor were removed from Brambila’s possession and stored as evidence at the Bend Police Department.
The seized bottles retail for an estimated $1,850. Area liquor stores and other retailers were advised to review their surveillance footage for thefts Brambila may have committed. The original three tequila bottles were not recovered.
Additional charges may be forthcoming. If you believe your store was a victim of Brambila’s thefts, please contact nonemergency dispatch at 541-693-6911 and reference case no. 2023-00054560.