A 32-year-old Owasso man has been arrested after hiding inside an Atwood’s store and attempting to steal over $3,000 worth of power tools. The incident, which occurred early Friday morning, led to a police search and the recovery of the stolen goods.
Details of the Incident
At around 1:30 a.m., the Owasso Police Department responded to a security alarm at the Atwood’s located near East 116th Street North and North Garnett Road. Officers found that the back door of the store had been left open and proceeded to clear the building, making sure no suspects were inside.
Upon further inspection, officers noticed that power tool boxes were scattered throughout the store, leading to the back door.
It quickly became apparent that a burglary had taken place. Police also discovered a bicycle and a tarp full of power tools, still in their boxes, hidden in a wooded area behind the store.
Drones and Surveillance Footage Help Locate Suspect
An Owasso Police Drone Team was called in to assist in searching the area using thermal imaging. Meanwhile, an employee from Atwood’s arrived to provide access to the store’s security footage.
Upon reviewing the video, officers saw a man hiding in the store before it closed. Once the store closed, the suspect emerged from his hiding spot and began taking the tools out the back door.
The footage showed the suspect moving power tools to the back of the building, which matched the items found outside.
The police continued their search and used the drones to locate the suspect, eventually finding him hiding in a locked porta-potty at the Owasso Sportsplex near North 97th East Avenue and East 116th Street North.
Suspect Identified and Arrested
The man was identified as Dustin Michael Justice, and officers confirmed he was the same person seen on the store’s security footage. Justice was arrested and transported to the Owasso Municipal Jail for processing before being booked into the Rogers County Jail.
Charges and Recovered Stolen Goods
Justice has been charged with second-degree burglary, possession of a controlled and dangerous substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Over $3,400 worth of Dewalt and Milwaukee power tools were recovered and returned to Atwood’s.
This arrest highlights the effective use of both traditional police work and modern technology, such as drones and security footage, to catch a thief in the act.
