Man Keeps Stealing From Missoula Stores Despite Being Trespassed

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On June 27th, 2023, a Missoula Police Department officer was conducting a follow-up investigation regarding a report of multiple thefts from REI. The officer called REI and a manager emailed him photos of the male suspect. The officer recognized the male to be 31-year-old Dylan Scott Johnson, a male that has been contacted by MPD on several occasions for shoplifting or theft. 

The officer is aware from experience and training that items that are shoplifted are frequently sold quickly for cash, oftentimes at pawnshops. The officer checked LeadsOnline for items matching the description of one of the stolen items at local pawnshops. 

The Suspect Stole Some Valuable Items

The officer quickly learned that a female, who has been connected to Johnson in the past, had pawned two Goal Zero Yeti 500x Portable Power Stations at First National Pawn. The power stations were valued at $549.95 each. The first was pawned on June 18th, 2023, which is the same day that surveillance footage showed Johnson stealing the exact model from REI. The second was pawned on June 21st, 2023, by the same female, which is the same day that Johnson had stolen it. On June 19th, 2023, Johnson stole a Goal Zero Yeti 200x Portable Power Station valued at $299.95.  

The officer called REI after leaving the Pawnshop and an employee notified him that Johnson was in the store, but had just left. The employee said Johnson had taken two knives with him when he left. According to the employee, the two knives had a total value of $189.90. The total combined value of stolen goods from REI was $1,589.75. 

The Suspect was Caught Attempting Another Theft

At approximately 5:14 p.m., prior to the incident at REI, an officer was dispatched to a report of Johnston trespassing and attempting a theft from Sportsman’s Warehouse. Johnson took three items, valued at $469.97, to the cashier and attempted to return the items for cash. Johnson was told he could not return the items without a receipt. Johnson then proceeded past all points of sale to a sidewalk outside of the store where he was stopped by an employee. Johnson surrendered the items and left the premises in a vehicle. 

An officer observed Johnson driving on England Blvd. turning southbound onto Reserve St. The officer activated her emergency lights and initiated a traffic stop. Johnson turned onto Tina Ave., yielded to the right, and stopped the vehicle. When the officer approached the vehicle, Johnson was in the driver’s seat, and the female mentioned above was in the passenger seat. 

Suspect Says He Wants to be Honest

After a lengthy investigation, the officer informed Johnson he was under arrest for felony theft. According to court documents, Johnson said, “I’ll be honest if you cut me a break”. The officer explained to Johnson he was being arrested no matter what, but asked him what he wanted to be honest about. 

Johnson admitted to stealing the two knives and said his intent was to sell them. The officer asked Johnson about the other stolen items from REI and he stated he stole them on a different day. The officer asked Johnson when the last time was that he stole from REI and Johnson said, “It’s been a couple of weeks”. Johnson stated he did not recall what he stole from REI. The officer asked Johnson about how many times he had stolen from REI and he stated about two times. 

Johnson was transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. He is currently being charged with felony theft and felony burglary. On June 28, 2023, Johnson made his initial appearance in Missoula Justice Court and his bond was set at $2,500. 

On March 23, 2023, Johnson was charged with felony burglary and felony tampering with physical evidence.

The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.