Warrant issued in Valentine’s Day theft

POULSBO — A warrant has been issued for a Bainbridge Island man who Poulsbo Police say robbed Dalquist’s Jewelry more than one month ago.

Poulsbo Police are currently looking for Honorato Robero Rapada, 19, who allegedly stole a tray of diamond earrings worth about $15,000 from the Poulsbo Village jewelry store Feb. 14. Last week, Kitsap County Superior Court issued a warrant for his arrest for first-degree theft, a felony charge.

Dahlquist’s owner Sandy Dahlquist said a young man entered the store the morning of Feb. 14 claiming be looking for a Valentine’s Day present for his girlfriend. After browsing for some time, he said he was going to have some lunch and come back to make a purchase.

When he returned, he asked to see a tray of diamond earrings. Dahlquist produced the tray from the glass display case and the man grabbed it, put it into his shirt and then ran.

A former police officer in the store at the time of the robbery followed the suspect. He was aided by two other men in the Poulsbo Village parking lot in chasing the thief and writing down the license plate number of his Kia Sportage-type SUV. A woman was driving the getaway vehicle, which left Poulsbo Village along State Highway 305.

That vehicle was later found at Rapada’s aunt’s home and impounded.

Poulsbo Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Bill Playter said a search of the car only turned up the shirt that had been worn during the incident.

Both police and the Dahlquists are hoping for the community’s help in finding the suspect. Dahlquist said her store is insured for the stolen items, however, there is a hefty deductable that must be paid.

Puget Sound Crime Stoppers also picked up the case this week and is offering up to $1,000 cash for information leading to Rapada’s arrest.

Rapada is 5 feet 11 inches, weighs 150 pounds and has black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is encouraged to call the Poulsbo Police Department Detective Grant Romaine at (360) 779-3113 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-CRIME-13.