By Joanna Putman
Police1
SPRINGFIELD, Ore. — A three-month investigation by the Springfield Police Department has led to the arrest of the owner of a toy store in Eugene, who has been accused of purchasing stolen Lego sets from local retail stores, TMZ reported.
“It gives individuals one site to go to where they can look for jobs, versus going to individual departments and looking at their websites,” said Vandalia Police Chief Kurt Althouse
The spike was primarily driven by traffic-related incidents, which caused a total of 26 LEO deaths in 2024 – a 136% increase compared with the same period last year
The driver had already fled one attempted traffic stop by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputy; when the deputy initiated another stop, the driver struck him
American Rounds said their machines use an identification scanner and facial recognition software to verify the purchaser’s age and are “quick and easy” to use
The investigation revealed that the owner of Brick Builders was allegedly buying new, unopened Lego sets stolen from stores such as Target, Walmart, Barnes & Noble, and Fred Meyer, according to the report. Police conducted a raid on Brick Builders and recovered more than $200,000 worth of stolen toys, totaling over 4,000 LEGO sets.
Authorities discovered that thieves were selling the stolen Lego sets to the store for a fraction of their retail value, then using the proceeds to purchase illegal drugs for personal use, according to the report.
The owner and another man have been charged with organized retail theft and first-degree theft by receiving, according to the report. Interviews with suspects indicated that employees at Brick Builders were aware the Lego sets were stolen.
