TIGARD, Ore. — A late-night investigation into a stolen vehicle turned into a multi-location search and rooftop arrest early Wednesday morning, leading to five teenagers being taken into custody, according to local authorities.
The incident began around 1:40 a.m. when a Tigard police officer located an unoccupied stolen vehicle parked at a gas station in the 11800 block of Southwest Pacific Highway. Officers began canvassing the surrounding area to locate possible suspects connected to the vehicle.
While searching near Tigard Plaza, officers spotted a group of four teenagers. When approached, the teens immediately fled on foot, prompting officers to initiate a pursuit. Two of the teens were apprehended quickly, but others managed to temporarily evade capture.
Police expanded their search efforts, deploying a drone and a K-9 unit to scan nearby rooftops, alleyways, and commercial properties. During the coordinated search, officers located one teen on the roof of a business in the 8800 block of Southwest Center Street. Authorities did not publicly identify the business, but it is located near professional office buildings in the area.
Fire crews were called in to assist officers in safely reaching the rooftop. The teen boy was then taken into custody without further incident.
As officers continued their search for additional suspects, the owner of the stolen vehicle contacted police after reportedly seeing two teens at Tigard Plaza. Responding officers detained them and began piecing together the sequence of events.
Investigators later discovered the group had been staying in a nearby abandoned house. During a follow-up search of the property, officers located a fifth teen who had previously fled from law enforcement earlier in the evening.
Authorities confirmed that at least four of the teens were listed as missing runaways from a rehabilitation home. All five were taken into custody and placed under the supervision of juvenile departments in Washington and Clackamas counties.
Four of the teens now face various charges:
- 16-year-old girl: Two outstanding juvenile warrants and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle
- 16-year-old boy: Escape in the third degree
- 15-year-old girl: Escape in the third degree
- 15-year-old boy: Two juvenile warrants, second-degree trespass, and escape in the third degree
The fifth teen was detained but not formally charged.
The overnight police activity drew attention from nearby businesses. Royal Arabic Cuisine, which had recently moved its food truck to the area, was operating nearby in the days leading up to the incident. Staff member Kamal described the neighborhood as generally peaceful and welcoming, though he acknowledged that incidents involving teens can happen anywhere.
“The neighborhood has been very quiet and friendly,” he said. “Young people make mistakes. It’s part of growing up, but hopefully situations like this help them reflect and move forward.”
Police did not report any injuries during the incident. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue reviewing evidence and coordinating with juvenile services.
Officials emphasized the importance of community awareness and parental engagement, especially in cases involving runaway youth. They also encouraged residents to report suspicious activity promptly, noting that quick communication from the vehicle owner played a key role in locating the remaining suspects.
