OSAGE COUNTY — A Linn man was arrested Wednesday afternoon after deputies say he stole several items from Hometown Lumber on Hwy. 50.

According to a probable cause statement filed by the Osage County Sheriff’s Office, Sgt. Richard Jarvis was dispatched to Hometown Lumber at 4:31 p.m. on Oct. 8 for a report of theft. The reporting party provided deputies with security footage showing a man entering the store shortly after noon that day.

Investigators said the video showed a white male wearing a black and white hat, white long-sleeve shirt, brown vest, blue jeans, and brown boots walking through the store and taking items from multiple aisles. The man was seen placing a welding cap and several magnifying lenses in his pockets before selecting a flashlight and heading toward the back of the store. He then exited, entered a black 2004 Ford Ranger, and drove east on Hwy. 50.

The reporting party provided deputies with still photographs of both the suspect and the vehicle. Jarvis later located the truck traveling north on Rt. CC near the Osage County Fairgrounds. Deputy Aaron Bell initiated a traffic stop, and deputies identified the driver as Wyatt L. Price, 18, of Linn.

According to the report, Price was wearing the same clothing as the individual seen on the security footage. When confronted, he was advised of his Miranda rights and agreed to speak with deputies. Jarvis stated that Price admitted to taking the items, saying he needed them for classes at State Technical College, where he is enrolled in a welding program.

Deputies recovered the stolen items from Price’s truck, including a Milwaukee RedLithium USB flashlight valued at $79.99, four Forney magnifying lenses worth $33.96, and a Forney Comeaux welding cap valued at $21.99, totaling $146.10.

Price was taken into custody at 6:24 p.m. and transported to the Osage County Detention Center for booking.

Osage County Sheriff Michael Bonham commended the deputies involved.

“Thanks to the quick thinking and teamwork of our deputies, a suspect was taken into custody after attempting to steal several items from Hometown Hardware,” Bonham said. “Their swift response and attention to detail led to the recovery of the stolen property and ensured the safety of our community. I’m proud of the professionalism and dedication our deputies show every day in protecting the citizens of Osage County. This arrest is another example of their commitment to keeping our local businesses and residents safe.”

As of press time, formal charges were pending with the Osage County Prosecutor’s Office.