Multiple vehicles flee deputies in separate incidents during early morning hours

CCSO deputies responded to three incidents in a timespan of just over four hours

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) reported three open cases currently under investigation from incidents that took place in the early morning hours Monday (May 2). The cases are still open, with no suspects identified at this time.

On Monday at 1:54 a.m., CCSO deputies responded to 23000 NE 72^nd Ave. in rural Clark County regarding a crashed pickup truck.  Upon arrival, deputies learned the driver and occupants had fled the scene on foot.  A firearm was later located inside the vehicle.  It was determined the pickup was previously stolen out of the city of Vancouver and had stolen license plates.  It had been reported by a citizen as a suspicious vehicle approximately 30 minutes prior and eluded Vancouver Police officers who attempted to stop it.

An attempt to locate the suspect(s) was initiated by deputies, but due to lack of resources able to be maintained at night within the CCSO, the search was abandoned. The car was impounded, but the suspects remain at large.  There is no known threat of harm to the public at this time.

Later in the morning Monday, at 5:06 a.m., in an unrelated case deputies responded to 8910 NE Hazel Dell Ave. to a report of vehicles being prowled in a parking lot.  The suspect vehicle was described as a white 2006 Ford Econoline, which was confirmed stolen on May 1 from a small business in the city of Vancouver.  Trade tools from the business were stolen with the vehicle.

The vehicle left prior to the arrival of deputies, however it was located a short time later near NE 6^th Ave and NE 78^th St, parked in a parking lot.  As deputies attempted to make contact, it pulled away and eluded the pursuing deputies, leaving the area on Interstate 5. 

Current Washington State Law and CCSO policy restricts law enforcement from pursuing a fleeing vehicle or attempting to use tire deflation devices. Deputies are not able to use alternative means such as blocking or “pinning” the vehicle prior to it becoming mobile when property crimes are the only alleged offenses. 

Later in the morning, at approximately 6 a.m., near the area of NE 121^st Ave and NE Fourth Plain Blvd., CCSO deputies were notified by a citizen of a burglary in progress at a closed automotive business.  The suspects were described to be driving a newer model BMW with no license plates.  The suspects had allegedly entered a locked storage area and were stealing tires. 

Shortly after, the BMW was located driving in the area.  Deputies noticed new tires, wrapped in packaging, inside the BMW.  Deputies attempted to stop the burglary suspects, but they fled in their vehicle.  Deputies were unable to pursue, per policy and state law, which restricts pursuits for non-violent crimes.

This is a reminder for Clark County residents to be vigilant about their own safety and property. Keep your vehicles locked, empty of valuables, and not left running unattended.  Suspects fleeing in stolen vehicles who are thought to be committing additional crimes is a common nightly occurrence for deputies, who currently have no legal authority to pursue the vehicle and have no tactics to safely address the occupied vehicle within policy.

Information provided by Clark County Sheriff’s Office.