CCSO release – On July 24, 2020, at about 8:02 PM, Coos County Deputies were dispatched to 92772 Cape Arago Highway for a burglary. Upon the Deputy’s arrival, he was advised a male and female, later identified as 48 year old Eric Ekblad and 36 year old Amber Thomas, had entered the store and Eric asked the store owner to use their restroom. While Eric was using the restroom, Amber Thomas continued to speak with the store owner. After a few minutes, Eric walked out of the rear of the store and said, “Let’s Go!”. Amber and Eric then left the business. Due to Eric walking out of the rear of the business in a hurry and leaving with Amber, the store owner checked a private bedroom inside the residence and found jewelry boxes open and jewelry missing. In order to access the bedroom, Eric moved a large box. The store owner provided video footage of Amber and Eric inside the store and leaving the store/residence. At about 11:35 PM, A Coos County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant located the suspect vehicle and Eric Ekblad at a local 7-Eleven. Deputies along with Coos Bay Police Officers contacted Eric and located the stolen items, including family heirlooms. The stolen property was identified and returned to the store owner. Eric Ekblad and Amber Thomas are being referred to the Coos County Prosecutor for the crimes of Burglary 1, Theft 1 and Conspiracy to commit a Felony.
