Photo: Ford, Brad
A multi-agency stolen vehicle operation resulted in the recovery of stolen vehicles, guns, and the apprehension of an armed robbery suspect.
On Tuesday, March 12, 2024, officers assigned to the Portland Police Bureau’s East Precinct conducted a multi-agency stolen vehicle operation with the Gresham Police Department, Port of Portland Police Department, Clackamas County Sheriff’s, Multnomah County District Attorney’s Auto Theft Task Force, PPB’s K9 Unit, and PPB’s Air Support Unit. The SVO also hosted deputies from Snohomish County, Washington, who requested to observe with the goal of learning and replicating the approach in their own community. Vancouver Police Department, including their Assistant Chief Erica Nilsen, were also present and coordinated with Portland Police when vehicles eluded into Washington. PPB's updated pursuit policy was used again allowing for the successful apprehension of four eluding vehicles in a short period of time.
The collaborative effort resulted in the recovery of eight stolen vehicles. Additionally, six people were arrested, five vehicles eluded police, and four vehicle pursuits were initiated, resulting in successful captures.
This operation initially focused on the southeast Portland metropolitan area and then moved to the northeast, covering Rockwood, Gresham.
The crowdsourced Facebook group, PDX Stolen Cars, helped locate and recover three unoccupied stolen vehicles. This is the 14th SVO PDX Stolen Cars have assisted on and have helped law enforcement recover 31 stolen vehicles.
The Stolen Vehicle Operation utilizes data-driven evidence-based practices and collaborates with OHSU Knight Cancer Institute scientist. This operation yielded a low ratio of one stolen vehicle located out of every 4 traffic stops/encounters.
Below are the initial results from the March 12, 2024, multi-agency Stolen Vehicle Operation:
- 28 traffic stops/encounters
- 8 stolen vehicles
- 6 custodies
- 5 vehicles eluded (4 captured)
- 4 vehicle pursuits
- 8 vehicles towed
Source: Portland Police