 Sheriff’s Detectives Arrest Suspect in Rash of Vehicle Break-ins
Washington County Sheriff’s detectives and deputies arrested a suspect
in the recent rash of vehicle break-ins in the Bethany, Rock Creek, and Cedar
Mill areas. Steven Frank White was arrested on charges of Felon in Possession
of a Firearm and Possession of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine). Mr.
White is also a lead suspect in many of the recent vehicle break-ins in the
Bethany, Rock Creek, and Cedar Hills areas. These areas of unincorporated
Washington County are within the Enhanced Sheriff’s Patrol District
(ESPD) and are serviced by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
Three to four weeks ago detectives noticed an unusual increase in the number
of vehicle break-ins reported in northeastern Washington County. It became
apparent that one or more suspects were working the area at night. Many of
the victims reported smelling a strong odor of cigarettes in their car. About
two weeks ago, detectives received an anonymous tip about a suspect that was
breaking into cars, and who had stolen a gun during one of these incidents.
The suspect was not named at that time, but enough information was given that
detectives were able to identify him soon after as Mr. White.
Washington County detectives began to investigate Mr. White and kept him
under surveillance during some of this time. They were able to gather enough
evidence to believe that Mr. White was responsible for a large number of the
recent break-ins, and that he was the suspect leaving the smell of smoke behind.
On Monday, June 25 at about 11:30 p.m. a Washington County patrol deputy pulled
Mr. White over for an unrelated traffic offense and towed his vehicle. During
a search of the vehicle the deputy found a Chinese-made semi-automatic hand
gun. By that time, Mr. White had left the scene, but was later arrested at
his residence located at 12618 NW Barnes Road #9.
A search warrant was served at that location after
his arrest. At this time detectives have recovered some of the property
taken during the vehicle break-ins, and they believe that Mr. White has sold
some of the property to unwitting buyers through Craig’s List. Anyone who has bought items from Mr. White
is asked to contact Sheriff’s Office detectives at 503-846-2700.
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