Deputies Arrest Suspect In Purdy Vaccine Heist

PURDY, WA — The Pierce County Sheriff's Department says their deputies have captured a suspect who they believe is behind a recent break-in at a Purdy dentist's office.

According to the sheriff's department, early Saturday morning a man broke into the office, and took off with 100 doses of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, plus a vial of Botox, and more than $100,000 worth of medical equipment.

At the time, deputies said they weren't exactly sure what the motive for stealing the vaccines could've been.

Now, they'll have the opportunity to find out, as they say the suspect behind the burglary has been taken into custody. The suspect has only been identified as a 30-year-old man. Investigators say they've determined he was also responsible for a burglary at a nearby salon.

At least some stolen property was recovered during the investigation, including the missing COVID-19 vaccines. Deputies say the suspect had stashed the stolen goods outdoors in the bushes, and much of the medical equipment was destroyed by the weather. Goods stolen from the salon fared better, and a majority of that property has been recovered.

Deputies are now forwarding charges to the prosecutor's office for review.

Though the missing vaccines have been found, and it doesn't appear any were administered, both the sheriff's department and the Tacoma - Pierce County Health Department are taking the opportunity to remind everyone that COVID-19 vaccines are always free. It's not clear if the suspect had planned to re-sell the vaccines for a price, but deputies are still warning residents to only get their shots through legitimate health care providers, like pharmacies or Pierce County Department of Emergency Management and health department clinics.

Anyone who still needs a vaccine can find a list of legitimate providers on the Tacoma - Pierce County Health Department's website.