On Wednesday, an eagle-eyed citizen observed what appeared to be a large-scale shoplifting incident at Tractor Supply in New Boston.
The citizen followed the suspect with police on the phone. He called out the location as the vehicle took a bizarre trip around the hilltop and east end. The car finally stopped in the 2100 block of 8th Street.
Portsmouth PD worked with New Boston PD to better understand the situation. The information from New Boston matched the details provided by the helpful citizen.
According to Tractor Supply, the “multiple items” stolen included Carhartt coats and clothing.
Portsmouth PD surrounded the home. After just a few minutes of stern commands and warnings the suspect, Kurtis Crumm, was taken into custody. A manager from the store went with New Boston PD to help identify items taken.
Crumm already had an outstanding warrant for failure to appear on a charge of larceny (theft of personal property).
Crumm is no stranger to the jail. He has been arrested over 14 times. Those charges include: Burglary, Breaking and Entering, 4 Theft charges, and 7 Probation Violations.
When asked why he had chosen to follow the suspect the good citizen told SCDN, “I hate a thief. If I stole a piece of bubble gum, they’d put me in jail for 5 years.”
