Shoplifting arrest leads to drug bust in JC

A shoplifting arrest Tuesday afternoon ended up with Jefferson City police also making a drug bust.

The suspect, Kevin Hiatte, 46, Holts Summit, was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.

Police reports show officers were dispatched to Wal-Mart, 401 Super Center Drive, for a shoplifter, Hiatte, who was fleeing the store after stealing a number of items from the business.

Loss prevention staff from Wal-Mart were involved, and officers were directed to the area in which Hiatte fled.

The department's K9 unit was also dispatched to assist.

Officer Paul Gash and K9 "Buzz" arrived in the area, and Buzz was able to track Hiatte to where he was hiding in the woods and he was taken into custody.

Hiatte's vehicle was located and Buzz alerted to the possible presence of narcotics within the vehicle.

A search was conducted and a black bag was found in the bed of the truck containing four grams of methamphetamine, needles, spoons, a digital scale, baggies, and a bottle containing a number of unknown pills.