Multi-Agencies Conduct Successful Stolen Vehicle Operation (Photo)

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March 18, 2024 09:43

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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

Highlight: Gresham Armed Robber Pursuit and Successful Apprehension – Gun Recovered
PPB Case Number: 24-61256
Gresham Case Number: 24-10106

Toward the end of the SVO, a Gresham Police 911 call contained information on an armed robbery in the 18100 block of Southeast Division Street. The description of the vehicle was a white BMW. With multiple officers in the area the vehicle was located, and officers attempted to stop the vehicle. The vehicle eluded at a high rate of speed and officers pursed the vehicle. The vehicle was successfully stopped in the area 162nd Avenue and Northeast Glisan Street. The driver, Angle Jimenes-Gonzalez, 18, of Gresham, was taken into custody. After reviewing Air Support footage, a gun was recovered after footage showed the gun being thrown from the eluding vehicle.

Impressive Decreasing Trend in Stolen Vehicles
Over the last 10 months, stolen vehicle operations have consistently delivered results in reducing vehicle theft rates. In January 2023, there were 984 vehicles reported stolen. In January 2024, it was 473 for a 56% decrease.

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)
January: 56% decrease compared to the previous year (984 to 437)

There are many factors that go into crime trends, but 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. 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. Interdicting those occupied stolen cars can prevent other crimes.

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:
Photo 1: Armed Robbery Suspect is pulled over in white BMW by multi-agencies
Photo 2: Officer arresting a person who eluded police in stolen vehicle
Photo 3: Gun and bullets from robbery suspect on top of vehicle
Photo 4: Clackamas County Sheriff’s arrest driver of stolen vehicle

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