Sedro-Woolley police arrested a repeat offender Friday evening after a vehicle chase on the city’s north side.
Around 7 p.m., officers responded to a report of a man getting into a vehicle that was not his and taking property.
When officers arrived, they observed the suspect throwing stolen items a short distance away in an attempt to dispose of the evidence.
Officers quickly found the building nearby.
When searching the suspect, officers found methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and a shaved key – a common tool used to illegally enter vehicles.
When questioned, the suspect gave multiple explanations for his actions, none of which were particularly convincing, officers noted.
The suspect, whose criminal history includes 11 prior misdemeanor convictions and 25 misdemeanor convictions, was booked into jail on charges related to the incident.
His previous convictions range from evading police and drug trafficking to assault and auto theft, along with unlawful communication with a minor, leading to his status as a Level 1 sex offender.
The Sedro-Woolley Police Department recently expanded its crime prevention efforts by deploying trackable property in vehicles and packages and notifying officers when the items are stolen.
This approach has already resulted in several arrests, reinforcing the city’s position on reducing theft and vehicle hunting.
Officials advise that entrapment does not apply in such situations, as state law states that providing an opportunity for a crime does not constitute entrapment.
