We recently led a multi-agency operation to recover stolen vehicles and arrest vehicle theft suspects in the Tacoma area. In total, 12 vehicles were recovered and 6 arrests were made. Eight vehicles fled from officers during the emphasis, and suspects struck three occupied police vehicles while trying to evade arrest.
The following vehicles were recovered during the operation:
Toyota Corolla (unoccupied)
Stolen from the University Place area. Located at an apartment complex in the 5400 block of 57th St Ct W in University Place.
Chevy Silverado (occupied)
Stolen from the Parkland area. Located in the 1800 block of S 95th St in Tacoma. A 30-year-old male was arrested and booked into jail for unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle.
Kia Soul (unoccupied)
Stolen from the Tacoma area. Located in the 8800 block of S Hosmer St in Tacoma.
Volkswagen Golf (unoccupied)
Stolen from the Tacoma area. Located in the 1800 block of S Bell St in Tacoma.
Nissan Sentra (occupied)
Stolen from the Tacoma area. Located in the 9400 block of S Hosmer St in Tacoma. A 25-year-old female was arrested and booked into jail for unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle. She also had a felony warrant for failing to appear in court for another stolen vehicle charge.
Dodge Charger (unoccupied)
Stolen from the Lakewood area. Located at an apartment complex in the 1400 block of E 69th St in Tacoma.
Ram 2500 (unoccupied)
Stolen from the Seattle area. Located at an apartment complex in the 2200 block of S 96th St in Tacoma.
Chevy Silverado (unoccupied)
Stolen from the Tacoma area. Located in the 8800 block of S Hosmer St in Tacoma.
Kia Spectra (occupied)
Stolen from the Tacoma area. Located in the 9600 block of Steele St in Tacoma. Vehicle fled from officers. It drove onto a sidewalk to get around traffic, and hit two cars in the intersection of S 38th St and Thompson Ave. The 53-year-old driver fled on foot and was arrested by officers. A pistol was located inside the stolen vehicle. The suspect was booked into jail for unlawful possession of a firearm, drug possession, hit and run, driving with a suspended license, and reckless driving. He also had multiple warrants.
Subaru Legacy (unoccupied)
Stolen from the Puyallup area. Located in the 8800 block of S Hosmer St in Tacoma.
Honda CRV (unoccupied)
Stolen from the Tacoma area. Located in the 8800 block of S Hosmer St in Tacoma.
Ford F-250 (occupied)
Stolen from the Parkland area. Located in the 9800 block of S Tacoma Way. The vehicle fled from officers but was located with assistance from air support. The 28-year-old male driver was arrested and booked into jail for unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle. The 43-year-old female passenger was booked for unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle, identity theft, and drug possession.
A Ford Fusion fled from officers and rammed their vehicles in the process. The vehicle was located later in the day, and the 24-year-old male driver was arrested for reckless driving. His vehicle was not stolen but had been listed as a suspect vehicle in several property crimes.
We want to thank the Tacoma Police Department and the Washington State Patrol for participating in the operation.
“Auto thefts are a regional issue,” said Sgt. Jeff Carroll of the Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force. “We have detectives from multiple agencies within King and Pierce Counties working together to aggressively investigate prolific thieves and get people their stolen vehicles back.”
Tips to protect your vehicle:
- Remove or hide all valuables
- Lock your car
- Don’t leave keys or fobs inside
- Don’t leave your vehicle running unattended
- Use anti-theft devices (alarm, kill switch, steering wheel lock
- Park in well-lit areas
The Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force (PSATT) is dedicated to investigating prolific auto theft offenders through multi-agency cooperation in King & Pierce Counties. The PSATT is funded through a grant from the Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority (WATPA).