On January 7, 2012, Astoria Police were told of an attempt to locate from Tillamook County. It listed a stolen Toyota truck and indicated that the suspect was Matthew Gray, a 32 year old transient, was wanted by the State Parole Board. 

Within twenty minutes Port Security Officer John Hord advised he had seen the suspect vehicle near the Lamplighter Hotel. Astoria Police Officer's Riley and Litwin, along with Oregon State Police Troopers Topinka and Spurlock were all in the area. The plate was confirmed and a felony traffic stop was planned. 

Astoria Police Department officers, along with the Oregon State Police Troopers, initiated a felony traffic stop on the New Young's Bay bridge. The stop was executed without incident and Gray was taken into custody.  He was lodged at the Clatsop County Jail on charges of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle and on a warrant for Parole Violation. 

Officers noted while on this stop that traffic did not continue around them while the stop was being conducted. They appreciated the motoring public giving them the ability to conduct their business in the safest way possible. Unfortunately, this is rare enough that it was noticeable. 

Astoria Police can also be found at www.facebook.com/AstoriaPolice and on Twitter @AstoriaPD

printer friendly