Redmond officers display act of kindness for homeless shoplifting suspect
Dec 31, 2025, 4:30 PM
A photo of a Redmond Police Department officer handing over a coat to the suspect. (Photo courtesy of the Redmond Police Department)
(Photo courtesy of the Redmond Police Department)
While a suspect was being detained for allegedly shoplifting from a Target in Redmond, officers displayed a wonderful act of kindness.
On Dec. 27, Redmond Police Department (RPD) officers responded to a shoplifting in progress and detained a man outside of the store, RPD announced.
The man allegedly stole clothing, and officers discovered that the man had an outstanding warrant for theft.
While the man was detained, he told officers that he was suffering from a painful hand infection, and his prescribed antibiotics had been stolen from him.
Additionally, the suspect explained that he was homeless and had been living in the cold. His reasoning for reportedly shoplifting from Target was that he wanted a jacket and snow pants to keep warm.
The Redmond Fire Department medics responded to the scene, assessed the man for his injuries, and transported him to the hospital for treatment.
As RPD officers understood that the suspect would likely be released back into the cold conditions, they decided to use a BlueBridge Alliance card to purchase the jacket and snow pants for him before he was transported.
“While officers made it clear that theft is still illegal and the case will proceed in court, this moment highlights an important balance of holding people accountable and recognizing their immediate human needs,” RPD stated.
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