A Durango woman is suspected of stealing six pairs of eyeglasses and sunglasses valued at more than $2,400 from a local optometrist’s office, police said Friday.
An arrest warrant has been issued for April Wallace, 37, on suspicion of felony theft, said Cmdr. Ray Shupe, spokesman for the Durango Police Department.
The eyeglasses and sunglasses were stolen during two incidents: The first on July 14 when four pairs of glasses were taken and the second on July 28 when two pairs were taken.
The thefts occurred at EnVision EyeCare, 2977 Main Ave.
Police were notified after the first theft, but they didn’t have enough information to identify a suspect, Shupe said. After the second theft, the owner of the practice followed Wallace to a nearby coin laundry on north Main Avenue and took pictures of her vehicle and license plate number, Shupe said.
Police were then able to identify Wallace as a possible suspect. Investigators put together a photo lineup, and the store owner was able to positively identify Wallace as the suspect, Shupe said.
“And there is video of her stealing the items,” he said.
Police have since obtained a warrant for Wallace’s arrest, but they have been unable to find her, he said.
Shupe said Wallace has a history of shoplifting, credit card fraud and drug use. In 2020, she was suspected of breaking into the Ski Barn and stealing about $1,200 worth of merchandise.
At the time, she was described as 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighing about 120 pounds. She has hazel eyes and had short blond hair, though police say she may wear a wig. She was last seen with long brown hair.
“She’s certainly known to us,” he said.
shane@durangoherald.com
