Portland police, along with several other local law enforcement agencies, staged their 61st stolen vehicle operation last Sunday, resulting in a trove of recoveries and arrests. Information released by the City of Portland’s official website stated that the collaborative effort between the Portland Police Bureau, Gresham Police Department, and other partners successfully confiscated seven stolen vehicles and three firearms. Additionally, nine individuals were taken into custody with six warrants served, proving to be a productive day for the city’s law enforcement.
The operation, predominantly concentrated in East Portland and the Gresham border area, showcased a highly efficient use of resources, with police achieving a 1:4 ratio of stops to stolen vehicles contacted. In one notable incident, a suspect identified as 35-year-old Felipe Cazares of Hillsboro recklessly plowed a stolen vehicle through public and private property. The chase ended with a crash, a civilian apprehending him before police took charge. According to the report released by the police, the dangerous exploits did not fortunately lead to a police pursuit, as an Air Support Unit was able to progressively follow the vehicle and guide officers to the scene.
Cazares now faces a string of charges, including Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Attempt to Elude, among others. A semi-automatic shotgun-style rifle with an obliterated serial number was found in the stolen vehicle, complicating his case, which is also being evaluated by the ATF. This scenario underscores the broader risks that stolen vehicles present to communities, demonstrating the necessity for such targeted law enforcement operations…