Redmond Police Recover Keys And Demagnetizer Stolen From Walmart And Arrest Two Suspects (Photo) -12/04/20
On December 1, 2020, the Redmond Police Department (RPD) investigated a reported theft of keys and a demagnetizer used by Walmart employees, as well as over $500 in merchandise. The following night, one of the suspects returned to Walmart and was caught in the act of doing some additional shoplifting of other goods.
On December 2, 2020, 37-year-old Redmond resident Kenneth Hammerberg, was contacted by RPD in Walmart regarding the theft that occurred December 1. Mr. Hammerberg was arrested for Theft II, regarding the December 1 theft, and two outstanding warrants. During a search of his person, stolen items were located, and he was arrested for Theft III. Mr. Hammerberg was transported to the Deschutes County jail, where he was lodged for the following crimes: Theft II, Theft III and two out of county warrants. His current bond is $72,500.
During the investigation officers developed probable cause to execute a search warrant on a vehicle, a purple 2011 Ford Fusion, which was parked in the Walmart parking lot and a room at The Hub Motel where Mr. Hammerberg, and a second suspect, 31-year-old Terrebonne resident Ryan Gray, where staying. While executing the warrant in the motel room, Mr. Gray and an adult female where located inside.
Mr. Gray was arrested for Theft II and four outstanding warrants. Mr. Gray was transported to the Deschutes County Jail, where he was lodged for the following crimes: Theft II and four warrants. He currently cannot post bail due to a no bail warrant.
During the course of this investigation officers located the Walmart owned keys and the demagnetize; as well as small amounts of suspected Heroin. Over the course of the investigation, RPD determined the stolen property was being traded for drugs.
Using and selling illegal drugs decreases the quality of life in our community. It is quite common for those addicted to drugs to steal property in order to support their habit. This year a community member provided a pamphlet labeled “Tips from an experienced and now retired thief” to the RPD. We share this pamphlet to help provide our residents with yet another tool to help them avoid being a victim of crime.
The vision of the RPD is to make Redmond the safest community in Oregon. We work around the clock, in partnership with the community, to reach this goal. We would like to thank Walmart and their Loss Prevention Office for their assistance with this investigation which was crucial in helping make these arrests.