VENICE, Fla. (WWSB) – Venice detectives said a 54-year-old man is at the center of an organized retail theft and pawn scheme involving nearly $3,000 in tools stolen from Lowe’s, according to a Sarasota County probable cause affidavit.
Court documents identify the suspect as Keith William Ripich, 54, of Venice. Detectives allege Ripich repeatedly stole high-value tools and equipment from the Lowe’s on S. Tamiami Trail, then pawned or tried to pawn the items at Quick Draw Quality Pawn on U.S. 41 Bypass South.
Investigators said the thefts and pawn transactions occurred between Nov. 5 and Dec. 1, 2025. Surveillance from Lowe’s allegedly shows Ripich taking items such as DeWalt rotary hammer drills, a Husqvarna gas leaf blower, a Kreg circular tracksaw, a Husqvarna chainsaw, and other lawn tools, along with two Kobalt 24-volt batteries. The affidavit lists a total retail value of $2,964.96.
Detectives with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office first developed the case after Lowe’s loss prevention reported multiple thefts. A detective then checked with Quick Draw Quality Pawn. According to the affidavit, pawn transaction photos and records at Quick Draw Quality Pawn matched the man allegedly seen on Lowe’s surveillance. Additionally, serial and model numbers allegedly tied the pawned property back to the reported thefts, police said…