Frustrated employees stop theft at Puyallup skateboard shop

PUYALLUP — Employees at a South Sound skateboarding shop are fed up after they were robbed twice within a few weeks.

The most recent theft at All-A-Board in Puyallup happened Wednesday morning when a man grabbed a board and ran out the front door, but this time, an employee chased after him.

"It's just a bummer because the shop does so much good for the community," said shop employee Brandon Lomax.

Lomax said it's frustrating because the shop is where he first felt like he belonged.

"We don't judge people. You can just be who you are," said Lomax.  "Me coming into All-A-Board the first time, I was embraced, they talked to me like a human being."

The store is known for having lower prices than other shops for some items.  For instance, the store had a $100 back to school special for an entire outfit and shoes the owner sells for about a third of what it's worth.

"He understands that people struggle, skateboarders struggle," said Lomax.

So, when a few weeks ago two thieves distracted one of the clerks -- and one was seen on the next door business' surveillance camera walking out with an Xbox under his shirt -- it was frustrating.

"We have it set right here for kids to come in; they play games," said Lomax.

But on Wednesday when a man asked to see a long board and then ran out the door with it, it was infuriating.

So Lomax manned the store while his co-worker chased the thief down. The man dropped the board but got away in a white SUV.

The people who love the shop -- from the clerks who, when they're not behind the counter, teach skateboarding camps -- to the loyal customers -- are baffled as to why someone would take from such a store.

The board that was taken is one of the most expensive in the store.  Though it was recovered, it is badly chipped.

Anyone with information is asked to call Puyallup police.

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