Early Thursday morning, deputies from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office serving the city of Cornelius observed a dark-colored sedan going the wrong way on Pacific Avenue near Filbert Street.
The vehicle matched the description of one involved in an earlier incident with Forest Grove Police, where individuals were reported attempting to enter vehicles on the 900 block of 37th Avenue.
After locating the sedan, a deputy moved to the right on the side of the road and activated the patrol car’s overhead lights. The driver then accelerated past the deputy and subsequently collided with a median near 2836 Pacific Avenue. The collision caused the driver to lose control, resulting in the vehicle spinning out and coming to a halt near Maple Street.
As more deputies arrived, they confirmed the vehicle had been stolen in Forest Grove moments prior. Deputies searched the area but could not locate the car’s occupants, who had fled.
While Forest Grove officers investigated the crash scene, deputies searched the surrounding area. They located a stolen 2019 Lexus RX sport utility vehicle occupied by two subjects who appeared to be asleep inside.
Deputies pinned the Lexus in with patrol cars to prevent the Lexus from being driven away and, after a brief standoff, safely detained both occupants: a 17-year-old driver and the 15-year-old passenger, both from Portland. They were subsequently handed over to the Forest Grove Police Department and are now held at the Donald E. Long Juvenile Detention Home.
A loaded Glock handgun and various items belonging to yet-unidentified victims were recovered from the Lexus.
The Forest Grove Police Department is leading the investigation into this incident. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact them directly at 503-992-3260.
Source: Washington County Sheriff's Office