Two Redmond businesses burglarized; Jefferson County man charged

Published 1:55 pm Tuesday, August 27, 2024

During the late-night hours of Aug. 19, two Redmond businesses were broken into and burglarized.

Three days later Redmond Police arrested Ryan Gray, 34, and charged him with the crimes.

Gray is accused of breaking into Sora Sushi on SW 21st Place and Xtreme R/C Hobbies.

According to Xtreme R/C Hobbies manager Randy Clithero, the burglar took roughly $10,000 worth of radio-controlled cars and parts. Clithero said the burglar also broke into the cash register and stole about $360 in bills as well as some change.

“When I pulled into the parking lot, something didn’t feel right,” said Clithero of the morning after the burglary.

He noticed the main door ajar but didn’t think much of it. He thought maybe another co-worker had left it open. But then he noticed another door was open, then he spotted a missing RC car. After that, Clithero said it became clear how much was gone.

He soon realized the cash register had been destroyed, the doors were damaged and the security cameras had been tampered with.

Clithero said the burglar left some evidence behind at the store, including his tool kit and a shoe print when he kicked the door open.

“I’m still noticing some little things that are missing,” he said.

At Sora Sushi, the burglar only stole some change but damaged the restaurant’s ATM and poker machines. Sky Deng, manager of Sora Sushi, said the ATM was fixed and poker machine replaced.

According to police, Gray was identified after reviewing video from the crime scenes, as well as physical evidence gathered. Search warrant in hand, law enforcement searched a property in Jefferson County that belonged to Gray. Police say they found stolen items during their search, which they were able to return to the businesses.

Gray was arrested and charged with two counts of second-degree burglary, two counts of second-degree criminal mischief, one count of first-degree criminal mischief and one count of first-degree aggravated theft.

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