Police seek leads in heist

HEIST SUSPECT: The man in the white T-shirt and shorts in this picture is being sought by police in the theft of money from the Eat & Run convenience store on Island Avenue Wednesday. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the La Grande Police Department, 541-963-1017. Submitted photo

Lt. Derick Reddington said this morning he hopes the public can help identify a man whose picture was taken by a surveillance camera during the heist.

“Right now, we’re at a dead end,” Reddington said.

The caller told the employee that a second party would be coming in shortly to pick up money owed him for parts. The second party walked through the door as the employee was on the phone.

The employee gave the man $1,400 as he was told to do. The man left with the money. The trick was discovered about a half-hour later when the employee decided to call the store owner and check the story. The owner said he had not called.

Initial reports termed the incident a robbery, so three agencies, La Grande Police Department, the Union County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon State Police responded.

By the time officers arrived, the man who had picked up the money had disappeared. He was last seen walking southwest along Island Avenue, toward McDonald’s.

Anyone with information regarding the theft is asked to call the La Grande Police Department at 541-963-1017.