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Man who allegedly stole COVID-19 vaccines arrested, Pierce County deputies say

A man has been arrested for allegedly stealing COVID-19 vaccines from a dental office, Pierce County deputies said.

>> Equipment, supplies, vaccine vials stolen in Purdy burglaries

One hundred Johnson & Johnson doses were among tens of thousands of dollars of equipment stolen last week from the dental office as well as a hair salon about a half-mile away.

>> Experts worry about use of stolen J&J doses from Purdy dental office

Sgt. Moss with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday that a suspect was arrested who is believed to be behind both burglaries.

He said the department got an anonymous tip that led them to several homes - one in Pierce County and one in Kitsap County.

About 90% of the stolen items from the salon were recovered alone with a majority of the items taken from the dental office. The vaccine were discarded on the side of the road and rendered unusable.

The suspect was arrested Tuesday and charged with two counts of burglary, according to the sheriff’s office.