K-9 Asher recovers handgun after Walmart shoplifting arrest in Yelm
Mar 16, 2026, 9:31 AM | Updated: 9:32 am
K‑9 Asher helps police find gun after Yelm shoplifting arrest. (Photo courtesy of the Thurston County Sheriff's Office)
(Photo courtesy of the Thurston County Sheriff's Office)
A Thurston County Sheriff’s Office K‑9 helped Yelm Police recover critical evidence after a man was arrested Monday evening for shoplifting at a Walmart.
Walmart’s Asset Protection first called Yelm Police, reporting that the suspect had stolen from the store and was walking toward Old McKenna along a sound wall on the east side of the parking lot, TCSO announced.
A Yelm officer eventually found the suspect who fled from officers but was later arrested. During a search of the suspect, law enforcement found a fully loaded handgun magazine.
K‑9 Asher helps recover firearm after Yelm shoplifting arrest
Expecting the suspect may have ditched the gun during the chase, officers called in a Thurston County K‑9 unit. K‑9 Asher led officers to a wooded area where the arrest happened and recovered a Sig Sauer P365 handgun.
No further details about the suspect’s identity or charges were immediately released. Authorities said the case remains under investigation.



