The focus of the emphasis was to locate and arrest individuals who were in possession of stolen vehicles, recover the vehicles, book the individuals into jail and ensure that they were charged for these crimes

In response to a dramatic increase in stolen vehicles in Clark County in the last 12 months, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Clark County Jail and the Clark County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, conducted a high intensity Stolen Vehicle Emphasis for several days over the last few weeks.  This emphasis was conducted despite record staffing shortages in the Jail and the Enforcement Branches. 

The focus of the emphasis was to locate and arrest individuals who were in possession of stolen vehicles, recover the vehicles, book the individuals into jail and ensure that they were charged for these crimes.  This emphasis would not have been possible without the cooperation of the entire jail staff,  the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the dedicated deputies of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.  During the course of the emphasis, some assistance was provided from regional partners such as the Vancouver Police and Portland Police Bureau.

At one point during this emphasis, detectives located a vehicle with multiple occupants in the parking lot of a retail store in Hazel Dell.  As detectives watched, one person exited the vehicle and stole a vehicle parked in the next spot.  When sufficient resources were obtained both vehicles were stopped and all of the occupants were detained.  Several arrests were made and the vehicle was returned to its owner within 30 minutes.  

In addition to this example, the emphasis had the following results:

• 18 Stolen Vehicles Recovered

• 32 Arrests

• 46 Total New Charges

• 17 Warrants Cleared

• 1 Firearm Seized

The Sheriff’s Office recognizes the impact that the dramatic increase in crime has had on the families that live and work here in Clark County.  We will continue to make every effort to hold criminals accountable every day of the year and, when staffing and resources allow, will continue to conduct these kinds of operations with the goal of reducing crime and increasing livability here in Clark County.

Information provided by Clark County Sheriff’s Office.