Vancouver police arrested a suspected car thief and others accused of a variety of crimes during a stolen-vehicle sting.
Thursday’s operation marked the second of the sort for the department, which worked with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and other Portland metro-area police agencies.
During the sting, officers arrested one person in connection with one reportedly stolen vehicle. They also arrested four people for outstanding felony warrants and seized another vehicle in connection with a property crimes investigation, according to a Vancouver police news release.
In one incident, Vancouver police said officers spotted a car without plates that was reported stolen out of Vancouver. The car’s owner confirmed it was theirs based on distinct features. When officers and deputies contacted the driver, the suspect ran, the news release states.
After officers chased and then used a Taser on the suspect, police arrested the person on suspicion of possession of a stolen vehicle, the news release states. Investigators said they found a shaved key in the ignition and other tools used for stealing cars.
During the operation, officers also contacted a 35-year-old man in downtown Vancouver who they’d been investigating for suspected drug crimes. Police said he illegally had a handgun and fentanyl in his possession, according to the news release.
Members of the operation served a search warrant on the suspect’s motel room and seized about 1,500 fentanyl pills, half an ounce of heroin, an unreleased amount of methamphetamine and another firearm, according to Vancouver police.
Investigators booked the man into the Clark County Jail on suspicion of possession of fentanyl with intent to deliver and unlawful possession of a firearm, the news release states.
Vancouver police said it intends to continue to conduct similar stolen-vehicle stings in an effort to combat vehicle theft and other associated crimes.
