Crime & Safety

University Place Police Arrest Woman Suspected of Multiple Thefts and Car Prowls

Calista Almitra Landers was booked into Pierce County Jail on Wednesday on suspicion of second-degree theft, third-degree theft, identity theft, vehicle prowl and driving with a suspended license.

University Place Police arrested a woman Wednesday suspected of multiple counts of theft and vehicle prowls in the area.

Authorities made the arrest at an apartment complex in the 3100 block of Bridgeport Way West.

Calista Almitra Landers was booked into Pierce County Jail on Wednesday on suspicion of second-degree theft, third-degree theft, identity theft, vehicle prowl and driving with a suspended license.

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The case actually started last year, according to Sgt. Mike Blair. Authorities arrested a man who was seen carrying rifle cases into the apartment. The man - Matthew Lashua - was later convicted and is serving four years in prison.

But his girlfriend and the driver of his getaway car - Landers - had also caught the eyes of authorities. Authorities kept an eye on her since then, and they suspect her of being involved with several vehicle prowls and burglary in UP. They even kept tabs on her car via a tracking device.

Find out what's happening in University Placewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Two days ago, authorities noticed that Landers was carrying a gun. Police arrested her and searched her car. Turns out the gun was actually a toy firearm, but there was plenty of stolen merchandise in her car, Blair said.

Blair said authorities will likely bring more charges against Landers related to other thefts and prowls.


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