A 34-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a series of coordinated guitar thefts targeting multiple Guitar Center stores across the West Coast, including the Redmond location, after detectives tracked stolen instruments to a local pawn shop and identified the suspect through surveillance footage, licensing records, and a distinctive neck tattoo.
The investigation began on 13 November 2025, when Redmond Police responded to a theft report at the Guitar Center at 7430 164th Avenue NE. A guitar valued at nearly $3,000 had been stolen in October by three suspects working together. Detectives located a matching instrument at a local pawn shop, where employees told investigators that a man had pawned multiple high-value guitars in a short period of time. Transaction records and surveillance footage pointed to Armando Jacome Vignaud, whose identity was further confirmed through Department of Licensing records and a distinctive neck tattoo visible in the footage.
Further investigation uncovered at least 15 pawn transactions involving valuable instruments connected to Vignaud. On 21 March 2026, officers responded to another theft at the same Redmond Guitar Center location and confirmed the same suspect was involved. Vignaud was arrested on 26 March and charged with Theft in the Second Degree.
Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe said the arrest reflects the department’s approach to organised retail crime. “Organised retail theft is a serious, coordinated crime, and we treat it that way,” Lowe said. “Our detectives are diligent, they are persistent, and they are dedicated to holding criminals accountable.”
The identities of the other suspects involved in the thefts remain unknown. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Redmond Police Department at 425-556-2500 and ask to speak with a detective.
