Deputies from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office arrested two people in connection with stolen vehicles in Minnehaha and recovered stolen firearms in the process.
On Oct. 19, deputies were dispatched to the 3500 block of Northeast 54th Street to reports of a vehicle that did not have license plates, a release from the sheriff’s office stated. The area was familiar to deputies because previously stolen vehicles were spotted at the location.
The sheriff’s office stated they had previously attempted to pull over stolen vehicles, but due to recent changes in state law, they were not allowed to pursue.
During the incident on Oct. 19, deputies found Ryan Smith, 42, occupying the vehicle. A second suspect was spotted and fled. A deputy chased that suspect, who was later identified as 22-year-old Jacob Fitzgerald, on foot.
Fitzgerald had five arrest warrants in Washington and Multnomah counties, the sheriff’s office stated.
Two stolen vehicles were found at the scene, the release stated, which were returned to their owners. One vehicle contained two handguns, including one reported stolen in California and one with an unreadable serial number that contained a 30-round extended magazine.
Both Smith and Fitzgerald were arrested, the release stated. Smith faces charges of stolen vehicle and firearm possession, and unlawful firearm possession. Along with his warrants, Fitzgerald faces charges of stolen vehicle possession and resisting arrest.
“Stolen vehicles are utilized by criminals for anonymity, the storage and transportation of illegal contraband, and overall, in furtherance of additional criminal activities,” the release stated.
The sheriff’s office has seen an increase in crimes using stolen vehicles.
The sheriff’s office states those who utilize stolen vehicles “seem to be emboldened” and elude deputies “at an alarming rate, making arresting and holding them accountable challenging.”
“Because the stolen vehicles in this investigation were located stationary, the outcome was favorable for the crime victims and public safety,” the release stated.
