Respirator Masks Intended For Donation Recovered After Theft (Photo)

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March 22, 2020 14:29

Thousands of stolen respirator masks are now on their way to hospital supplies after a multi-agency theft investigation.

On Friday, March 6, 2020, a North Precinct officer responded to The Rebuilding Center at 3625 North Mississippi Avenue on a theft report involving 20-25 cases of N95 respirator masks. Each case had 400 masks in it and the total loss was close to $2,500. At the time, there was no suspect information.

On March 7, 2020, the victim found someone selling what she believed to be the stolen masks on online classified listings platform CraigsList. She set up a meeting in Beaverton and contacted the Beaverton Police Department, who arrived and arrested the suspect, Vladislav V. Drozdek, 22, of Beaverton (photo). He was booked into the Washington County Jail on a charge of Theft in the First Degree (by receiving).

About 6 cases of the masks were recovered, but the rest were still outstanding.

Some follow-up investigation was done by both agencies and, on Saturday, March 21, 2020, PPB was able to locate at least 7 more boxes that were stored inside a house in the 13900 block of Northeast Sacramento Street. The officer recovered the boxes (see photos) and returned them to the victim. The victim immediately donated the masks to local hospitals to help them while they're dealing with the Coronavirus.

Further arrests and charges are possible.

"This was a good example of interagency teamwork and cooperation, along with some helpful detective work by the victim," said Assistant Chief of Operations Mike Frome. "This is even more significant during a time when these medical supplies are in such short supply."

The victim is willing to speak to local media. Interested press can contact ppbpio@portlandoregon.gov for information. The Beaverton Police Officer who made the arrest is also available. Press should reach out to the BPD PIO, Officer Matt Henderson mhenderson@beavertonoregon.gov , to arrange interviews.

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