We recently led a multi-agency operation to recover stolen vehicles and arrest vehicle theft suspects in the Tacoma area. In total, five vehicles were recovered and four arrests were made. Two vehicles fled from officers during the emphasis.
The following vehicles were recovered during the operation:
Toyota Corolla (occupied)
Stolen from the Tacoma area. Located at S 74th St and South Tacoma Way. Detectives determined this was actually a civil issue, so the driver was not arrested.
Honda Civic (unoccupied)
Stolen from the Tacoma area. Located at S 76th S and S G St.
Saturn LW (occupied)
Stolen from the Tacoma area. Located at S 74th St and S D St. Further investigation is needed before charges can be referred to the prosecutor.
Ford Econoline (occupied)
Stolen from the Olympia area. Located in the 8800 block of Pacific Ave S. The 38-year-old male driver was arrested and booked into jail for possession of stolen property. The 31-year-old female passenger was booked into jail for taking a motor vehicle without permission. Prosecutors declined to file charges in this case.
Lexus IS (occupied)
Stolen from the Tacoma area. Located at 100th St SW and South Tacoma Way. Detectives determined this was actually a civil issue, so the driver was not arrested.
Officers attempted to stop a Dodge Charger that was displaying a temporary plate. The female driver fled from officers, who had to terminate their pursuit. Air support followed the vehicle to a residence in the 500 block of S 64th St, but officers did not arrive in time to catch the occupants, who fled on foot.
Detectives spotted a man dealing drugs from an unlicensed Honda Civic in the 8800 block of Pacific Ave S. The 38-year-old suspect was arrested and booked into jail. Prosecutors charged him with loitering for the purpose of drug activity, and unlawful possession of a controlled substance.
During the emphasis, a Ford Mustang pulled up to a marked patrol vehicle and matched its speed in the adjacent lane. The Mustang then taunted the officer by quickly accelerating. The vehicle reached speeds over 100 mph in a 35 mph zone. The officer attempted a traffic stop, but the Mustang fled and the officer was unable to pursue. Unmarked cars located the vehicle and followed it to a gas station in Lakewood. As it returned to the Tacoma area, undercover officers deployed spike strips and followed the Mustang to a nearby residence. The 20-year-old male driver was arrested and booked into jail for eluding and reckless driving. He posted $5,000 bail over the weekend and was released. A charging decision is still pending.
Detectives also recovered a stolen temporary plate that was being displayed on a Ford Edge.
We want to thank the Tacoma Police Department for participating in the operation. Air support was provided by the King County Sheriff’s Office (Guardian 1).
“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).