Wanted Serial Thief Caught Stealing Sports Cards in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On February 24, 2026, Missoula Police Department Officers were dispatched to Walmart for a report of a shoplifter. Officers were informed that the male was confronted by employees after he attempted to steal sports cards. At which time, the male gave the cards back and then fled on foot.  

The male was initially walking, before entering a red vehicle. The Walmart employee believed the male to be Benjamin King. The responding officer knew King had a history of theft, drug use, and fleeing from law enforcement when contacted. The officer also learned that King had a non-extraditable warrant from Idaho and was on probation for three counts of dangerous drugs and criminal distribution of dangerous drugs.  

Another officer observed the reported vehicle, confirmed the license plate, and initiated a traffic stop. The officer approached the vehicle and recognized the female driver from previous contacts. The officer explained that King had just been reported for shoplifting at Walmart. The officer observed King manipulating items within his green backpack, which was positioned between his legs. 

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While the officer was conducting the traffic stop, another officer contacted the loss prevention employee of Walmart. The employee informed the officer that King took possession of several sports cards and concealed them in a green backpack. The total value of the items recovered from King's back was $245.98.  

The employee relayed Walmart records, noting King had been trespassed since 2018 and had been prohibited from the premises since 2022. The records further indicated that King had stolen items from several Walmart stores across the country.  

The employee also reported that about a week ago, she had observed a male enter the store, take possession of a Bose brand speaker, and go past all points of sale without paying for it. The employee stated the male was wearing a mask, which concealed his face, but she believed the male to be King. She based this belief on having observed King's eyes on several occasions, and further, the male was wearing gray tennis shoes, which were found to be similar to the shoes King was presently wearing.

The officer confirmed with King that he was on probation and asked him to exit the vehicle. King was advised of his Miranda rights, and he stated he understood them. The officer informed King of what was reported by Walmart, and when asked if he did those acts, King stated, "Yeah." Then King was placed into handcuffs.  

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

The officer contacted the on-call Probation Officer. The PO requested a search of King's person and the immediate area within the vehicle. Inside King's white sweatshirt pocket, the officer located two black masks. The officer asked King about the masks, and he stated something about so he wouldn't be recognized. The officer believed King's response indicated that he knowingly and purposely attempted to hide or conceal his identity when committing crimes or when in places where he had been trespassed.

Another officer arrived on scene and assisted in the search of the vehicle. The officer observed King's green backpack and several new/unopened items. The officer also located a small butane torch and two unused syringes. Inside King’s backpack was an Under Armor brand jacket with the price tag still attached and several other unopened items. The officer was unable to locate any receipts for the items to show that they were actually purchased.

King was arrested and transported to jail. He is currently being charged with felony burglary. His bond was set at $25,000. According to court documents, King had been convicted of theft in Missoula on eight separate occasions. 

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