Redmond, Ore. – Redmond Police arrested several people Monday afternoon after a high risk traffic stop of a stolen vehicle reported a week ago. Here’s the latest from Redmond Police:
About 2:45 pm Monday, Redmond Police located a stolen vehicle, previously reported stolen to the police department seven days prior. At the time of the theft, a firearm was reported to be in the vehicle and a camper was on the vehicle. The vehicle was acting as a temporary home for the owner. The vehicle was being driven on SW Highland Ave near SW 23rd Street when it was located, however the camper was no longer on the vehicle.
A “high risk” traffic stop was conducted and the three occupants were ordered out of the vehicle and detained. No one was injured during the stop, which momentarily blocked traffic on SW 23rd Street south of SW Highland Ave.
The investigation into the theft of the vehicle, firearm and camper led to the arrest of several people and the execution of a search warrant at 713 SW 26th Street, Redmond, later in the evening. Additional items related to stolen vehicle investigation and suspected stolen property from other Redmond area thefts was also recovered in the residence.
Austin Hemphill, 22 years of age, from Redmond was arrested for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle, Theft in the First Degree x 3, Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree x 2. Austin was driving the stolen vehicle at time of recovery.
Juvenile female, 17 years of age, a transient from Redmond was arrested for Carrying a Concealed Weapon. The juvenile female was a passenger in the stolen vehicle at the time of recovery.
Tyirez Frost, 23 years of age, a transient from Redmond was arrested for Theft in the First Degree for allegedly selling the stolen firearm to a local business, which was later recovered. Frost was a passenger in the stolen vehicle at the time of recovery.
Sara Gittins, 38 years of age, from Redmond was arrested for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle, Theft in the First Degree, Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree x 2.
Sara was contacted and arrested on BLM Land east of Redmond, near where the camper was located. The camper was significantly damaged by the suspects in the case while attempting to remove the camper from the pickup. It is unlikely the camper is going to be used again.
Michael Mickelson, 18 years of age, from Redmond was arrested for Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine and Frequenting a Place Where Controlled Substances are Used. Michael was contacted at the 713 SW 26th Street address when the search warrant was executed.
“Drug use, abuse and sales continue to be a root cause of a great number of property crimes committed in our community,” Sgt. Curtis Chambers stated. “Persons addicted to a substance often attempt to support their addiction through theft, proceeds from theft and trading of stolen property. If you, or you know of someone, who is addicted to a substance, treatment is available through various treatment providers, both in-patient and out-patient, in Central Oregon and throughout Oregon.”
