Shoplifting chase leads to two arrests on felony drug charges, one man still at large

LAVERKIN — A shoplifting incident that occurred at Farmer’s Market in La Verkin on Friday afternoon led to the arrest of two men on felony drug charges leaving one suspect still at large.

On Friday afternoon LaVerkin Police officers responded to a report of a shoplifting incident at Farmer’s Market. Upon the officers arrival the suspect, identified as Joshua Christensen, fled the scene. In an attempt to locate him, police officers and Washington County deputies went to Christensen’s residence at 240 West 530 North in LaVerkin, according to a statement from LaVerkin Police Chief Benjamin Lee.

Joshua Christensen of La Verkin, Utah | Photo courtesy of La Verkin Police Dept., St. George News
Joshua Christensen of La Verkin, Utah | Photo courtesy of La Verkin Police Dept., St. George News

After receiving permission to look for Christensen at his residence and to search the motor home located in the backyard, JB Christensen, 35, and Jared Mintz, 21 were found along with the presence of a strong odor of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. At which point Washington County Drug Task Force was called to assist.

According to the statement, officers obtained additional search warrants for two locked safes that were found inside of the motorhome. At which point officers found $1,300 cash, multiple baggies of heroin, methamphetamine and a large quantity of raw marijuana as well as three digital scales and small baggies.

JB Christensen and Mintz were arrested and booked into the Washington County Purgatory Correctional Facility.

Both men were charged with three class-B misdemeanors related to possession of drug paraphernalia, two second-degree felonies for drug possession with the intent to distribute and one third-degree felony for drug possession. According to bookings information the bail for both individuals currently stands at $26,759.

LaVerkin Police Dept. is requesting assistance on the whereabouts of Joshua Christensen. Please contact dispatch with any information at 435-627-4300.

Persons arrested or charged are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law or as otherwise decided by a trier-of-fact.

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1 Comment

  • Betty May 18, 2014 at 8:40 pm

    They should check for him at the biolife place. That’s where most of the criminals who can’t keep a job go for money.

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