Rangers Nab Three Suspects in Kalaloch Auto Burglaries

Date: July 28, 2010
Contact: Dave Reynolds, 360-565-2985

Law enforcement rangers at Olympic National Park, working with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, have arrested three individuals suspected in a series of vehicle break-ins July 25 in the Kalaloch sub-district of the park.

At approximately 4 p.m. park dispatchers notified Kalaloch rangers about a reported break-in at Beach 1 and an attempted break-in at Beach 2. After arriving on scene, rangers received word of a third break-in, this one at Ruby Beach just north of Kalaloch.

A witness of the Beach 2 incident was able to provide the make, model and Washington license plate number of the suspects' vehicle, as well as a physical description of one of the suspects.

At approximately 5 p.m., a tan Ford Focus sedan was observed traveling south on Highway 101. Rangers requested and received assistance from Jefferson County authorities before pulling over the vehicle at South Beach at 5:10 p.m.

Rangers separated and questioned the three suspects, one of whom consented to a search of his vehicle. Inside the vehicle, rangers recovered credit cards reported missing from the Ruby Beach incident. A subsequent search of the suspect's person turned up a necklace reported missing from the Beach 1 incident. Additional items reported stolen were later discovered in the suspects' car and along Highway 101 near Beach 2.

"National Park Rangers are responsible for not only protecting and preserving our natural resources and landscapes, but also for providing for the safety and well-being of thousands of visitors," said Olympic National Park Superintendent Karen Gustin. "This is a testament to the dedication of Olympic's law enforcement professionals, as well as the importance of thorough police work, quick thinking and effective coordination between agencies."

"Vehicle break-ins and thefts are not a common occurrence at Olympic National Park, but they can happen," added Olympic National Park Chief Ranger Colin Smith. "To protect against the possibility of theft, visitors should avoid leaving valuables in their cars. If you must leave a purse or similar high-value item in your car, place it in the trunk or out of view to deter thieves."