The Final Countdown: 3

Chelsea Mitchell Security Resources

Apprehension number 3 sheds some light (no pun intended) on the power of verification when it comes to keeping dangerous criminals off the streets.

At 3:37 a.m. on Oct. 10, Verification Center operator Minta Christopherson received activations from the security system at Hollywood Lights, a Portland electrical services provider. Through the system’s audio verification panel, she was able to hear male voices and clattering noises. She dispatched police and continued receiving alarms caused by movement onsite. But before police arrived, everything suddenly went silent because the suspects had left the building.

The first officer to arrive at the scene saw two men fleeing the business and jumping into a green Jeep Cherokee to make a quick getaway, without turning on their headlights.

As other officers arrived, the first responder chased the Jeep and tried to pull the suspects over. The suspects refused to stop and instead instigated a short police car chase that ended with the Jeep spinning out of control. The suspects then began running away on foot.

The getaway car had been stolen earlier that night from a nearby residence. Officers found  stolen property from Hollywood Lights in the car and returned it. The vehicle had to be towed from the scene.

One suspect  was arrested. The other evaded capture. The Portland Police Bureau’s Burglary Task Force has continued the investigation.

Watch the news video above and check out more coverage of this incident, including a Portland Police Bureau press release , a story from KOIN Local 6 news, a write up in the Portland Tribune and coverage on OregonLive.com.