Malheur County Sheriff’s Office investigates burglary
By Katie Pizza
Argus Observer
Friday, March 28, 2008 10:58 AM PDT
Ontario — The Malheur County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a burglary that officials say may be connected with the search for a stolen truck Wednesday afternoon.
The burglary took place in the 3000 block of North Oregon Street, near the north interchange.
“A person entered the residence and remained there unlawfully the door was not locked,” MCSO Lt. Rob Hunsucker said. “He took some fish from the fridge, some wine, and about $800 in quarters, nickels and dimes from a plastic container.”
Because the residents were not there during the day, Malheur County did not learn of the incident until it was reported at 8:16 p.m. Wednesday.
“It was an older couple that reported it,” Hunsucker said. “They were out for the day when it happened.”
Wednesday’s pursuit started in vehicles but ended with the man escaping from police after fleeing on foot near River Village Mobile Home Park situated at 3200 N. Oregon Street.The truck, a red, 1995 Chevy pickup was removed from the Ontario Airport sometime between Tuesday evening and Wednesday afternoon. The man in the vehicle led police on a chase through a construction area on Oregon Highway 201 before he eluded police near the trailer park.
However, the home burglary represents a possible lead for police.
“It wasn’t very far away,” Hunsucker said of the bulgarized home. “Within a quarter mile.”
Though there were no witnesses to the burglary, the Ontario Police Department reported the man was last seen having bushy brown hair, wearing sunglasses and a tan and blue ski jacket.
“It may have been the person who was involved in the pursuit earlier,” Hunsucker said. “We’re still investigating. The Ontario Police Department will be advised of it.”
