A man is facing a felony theft charge, and a woman could also face charges after a Lowe’s investigation uncovered more than $1,100 in merchandise stolen during three separate incidents in Bellefontaine.
Bellefontaine Police were called to Lowe’s on South Main Street on Monday to investigate a shoplifting complaint.
The store’s asset protection manager told police she had identified Robert Buscher, 33, of Bellefontaine, and a female suspect as the people involved in three thefts between September 25 and October 10.
The stolen merchandise included storage totes and shelving units, paint and lumber, and a Pit Boss grill with bags of grill pellets.
The total value of the stolen items was $1,109.52.
According to the police report, the woman allegedly helped Buscher by distracting store employees as he left the store with unpaid merchandise.
Investigators noted a similar tactic during a separate theft investigation at Dunham’s. (See below)
Police collected photographs and other documentation from Lowe’s.
Buscher was contacted at the Logan County Jail and informed of a pending charge related to the investigation.
Police plan to file a fifth-degree felony theft charge against him.
A charge of complicity to commit theft, also a fifth-degree felony, has been submitted to the Logan County Prosecutor’s Office for review against the female suspect.
The investigation remains ongoing as police await the surveillance footage.
