PPB Conducts Another Successful Joint Stolen Vehicle Operation (Photo)

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February 14, 2024 14:16

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On Saturday, February 10, 2024, PPB East Precinct ran a joint agency Stolen Vehicle Operation with Gresham Police Department, Port of Portland Police Department, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Multnomah County District Attorney’s Auto Theft Task Force, PPB’s K9 Unit, and PPB’s Air Support Unit.

The operation focused on the east Portland metropolitan area. Crowdsourced Facebook group PDX Stolen Cars again assisted the operation, helping locate and recover an occupied stolen vehicle.

Utilizing data-driven policing strategies, the operation again yielded a low ratio of one stolen vehicle located out of every four traffic stops (1:4).

Below are the initial results from the mission:
23 – Stops/Encounters
6 – Stolen Vehicles
11 – Custodies
8 – Warrants
1 – Stolen Illegally Possessed Firearm
5 – Vehicles Eluded (4 captured)
3 – Vehicle Pursuits
4 – Vehicles Tows

Highlighted Cases:

A black stolen Audi was identified by Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Deputies near Southeast 124th Avenue and Southeast Stark Street. Portland Police Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver did not comply, and a vehicle pursuit was initiated. The vehicle was quickly disabled after pursuit intervention techniques were applied. The driver, still intent on fleeing from police, ran from the vehicle and was eventually captured after a short foot pursuit. The vehicle was confirmed as stolen and inside, was a loaded stolen gun and significant quantities of methamphetamine. The driver also had multiple outstanding felony warrants for his arrest.

Officers arrested Damon Duboise, 51, and charged him with: Possession of Stolen Vehicle, Felony; Unauthorized Use of Vehicle, Felony; Felon in Possession of Firearm, Felony; Unlawful Possession Loaded Firearm in Public; Unlawful Possession of Firearms, Misdemeanor; Possession of Controlled Substance Methamphetamine; Warrant Service–Failure to Register as a Sex Offender; Failure to Report as Sex Offender-Felony; Failure To Report as Sex Offender-Misdemeanor – 5 Counts; Reckless Endangering Another Person, Misdemeanor– 4 Counts; Reckless Driving, Misdemeanor; Attempting To Elude Police Officer (While Driving Motor Vehicle), Felony; Attempting To Elude Police Officer (on foot), Misdemeanor.

Many suspects who elude police are highly motivated and these incidents can often be longer, more dangerous for the community, the officers, and the suspects. This was a relatively short elude and officers were gratified to apprehend him quickly and without anyone getting hurt.

Crowdsourced group PDX Stolen Cars located an occupied stolen vehicle parked at Eastport Plaza. Portland Police officers with Port of Portland officers addressed the vehicle. The driver was compliant and exited the vehicle without incident. Of note, the driver was recently arrested in a stolen vehicle four days prior. That vehicle was also located by PDX Stolen Cars. The driver, Levi McAllister, 28, was arrested and charged with Possession of Stolen Vehicle, Felony; Unlawful Entry into Vehicle, Misdemeanor; Possession of Burglar’s Tools, Misdemeanor.

This suspect told police he did not elude because he was aware of the new Bureau’s pursuit policy and did not want to face another felony charge.

The passenger in the vehicle, Jacob Knechtges, 28, was also arrested for a warrant for Unauthorized Use of Vehicle.

Impressive Decreasing Trend in Stolen Vehicles
Over the last nine months, this program has consistently delivered outstanding results in reducing vehicle theft rates. In December 2022, there were 895 vehicles reported stolen to PPB. In December 2023, it was 523, a 42% decrease year over year.

April: 24.4% decrease compared to the previous year (892 to 674)
May: 23.7% decrease compared to the previous year (849 to 648)
June: 26.7% decrease compared to the previous year (829 to 607)
July: 29.7% decrease compared to the previous year (862 to 606)
August: 35.3% decrease compared to the previous year (939 to 608)
September: 25.5% decrease compared to the previous year (861 to 644)
October: 36.6% decrease compared to the previous year (931 to 590)
November: 44% decrease compared to the previous year (966 to 538)
December: 42% decrease compared to the previous year (895 to 523)

PPB knows that there are a lot of factors that go into crime trends, but believe that enforcement efforts driven by data analysis, efficient use of limited resources, and interagency partnerships have been key factors in the reduction in car thefts in Portland. This ultimately means fewer victims. Car thefts are extremely impactful for victims, especially those who rely on their vehicles for their livelihoods. Stolen vehicles are often used by suspects in other crimes including robberies and shootings, and interdicting those occupied stolen cars can prevent other crimes. While this criminal activity is not solved, the trend is going in the right direction, and PPB will continue these efforts going forward.

For more on East Precinct’s innovative use of data, to make fewer stops, resulting in better outcomes, visit: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/news/read.cfm?id=462764

Photo Descriptions:
Picture 1: Police cars with lights stopping a vehicle
Picture 2: Stolen black handgun
Picture 3: Two officers arresting a suspect

###PPB###

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