Alleged shoplifter gives fake name to police

An Olympia man who allegedly shoplifted from a Walmart tried to give police a fake name when he got caught.

Tumwater police said Zachary Ronald Carson, 22, was arrested on Feb. 22 after a reported theft at Walmart on Littlerock Road in Tumwater.

The reporting party, a loss prevention officer, told police that a man pushed a cart full of merchandise out of the store without paying for any of the items.

The employee said she confronted the suspect, later identified as Carson, who then dropped his backpack into the cart and took off running.

According to the employee, Carson stole $357 worth of goods, including a tent, a camper backpack, and bike locks.

Police located Carson, who continued to walk northbound on Littlerock Road after an officer told him three times to stop.

An officer said he managed to grab hold of Carson’s arm and detained him without incident.

Carson denied stealing from Walmart but admitted to leaving a full shopping cart behind.

The suspect initially told police that his name was Robert J. Spaulding, then later changed it to Zackery S. Spaulding.

A fingerprint scan led authorities to Carson’s real name. Police also learned that the suspect had an escape warrant for failure to register as a sex offender.

Carson was booked into the Nisqually Jail for his warrant and third-degree theft.