Burglary Suspect Arrested: Stolen Tools/Mail/Property, the Suspect’s WSDOT Camp ID, JHH Bus Pass, Burglary Tools, and Drugs/Paraphernalia Recovered
Spokane Valley Deputies and Spokane Valley Investigative Unit (SVIU) Detectives located the suspect in a Spokane Valley Storage Unit Burglary, where approximately $12,000 in tools were reported stolen. Investigators obtained a search warrant for the suspect’s vehicle and located tools/mail/property, WSDOT Camp IDs, a JHH Bus Pass, Burglary Tools, and a small amount of drugs/paraphernalia (Methamphetamine/Fentanyl) were recovered. Some of the victim’s tools were recovered and returned to him. This remains an active investigation, and additional arrests/charges are possible.
On January 3, 2023, at approximately 9:50 am., Spokane Valley Deputy A. Johnson contacted the victim of a storage unit burglary in the 13400 block of E. 32nd Avenue. The victim said someone cut the lock of his storage unit, stole approximately $12,000 in tools, and replaced his lock with one that didn’t belong to him.
Deputy Johnson recovered video footage from business management and found several items the victim stated didn’t belong to him. From the evidence and information learned during the investigation, Deputy Johnson developed probable cause to charge 29-year-old Michael D. Love with Burglary 2nd Degree (two counts), Theft 1st Degree, and Malicious Mischief 3rd Degree.
Later the same day, at approximately 2:00 pm, the victim advised he had located Love’s vehicle, a 1994 Mercury Villager, which Love had recently purchased, near the intersection of 8th Avenue and S. Dearborn Road.
SVIU Investigators Deputy T. West and Deputy M. Sullivan responded to the area, located the vehicle, and conducted a traffic stop near E. 4th Avenue and S. McKinnon Road. They contacted Love, the sole occupant, and detained him as they continued investigating. Tools, drug paraphernalia, multiple car batteries, clothing, boxes, and a dash camera were observed inside the Villager. After being advised of his rights, Love admitted he was at the storage units to help a friend, who he thought had permission from the storage unit owner, to move some tools.
Love’s vehicle was seized as evidence pending a search warrant.
Love was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Burglary 2nd Degree (two counts), Theft 1st Degree, and Malicious Mischief 3rd Degree. Love remains in custody with his bond set at $3,000 by Spokane Superior Court Commissioner J. Stine.
On January 5, 2023, SVIU conducted a search of Love’s vehicle once a valid search warrant was obtained. They recovered a small amount of Methamphetamine/Fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, property believed to have been stolen during the burglary, burglary tools, two WSDOT Camp IDs (one belonging to Love), and additional property/mail believed to have been stolen. SVIU returned the recovered stolen property from the burglary to the victim.
This remains an active investigation. Additional arrests and/or charges are possible.
