Police Arrest 2 Car Thieves Tuesday

BEAVERTON, OR — After breaking into eight cars and attempting to run from police, nearly hitting one officer with their allegedly stolen vehicle, a 20-year-old man and 17-year-old girl were arrested in Beaverton Tuesday morning.

Hassan S. Sheikh and his underage accomplice were taken to Washington County Jail following their arrests.

Sheikh faces several charges, including driving under the influence of intoxicants, reckless driving, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and attempt to elude an officer. His unnamed accomplice is charged with identity theft, unlawful entry into a motor vehicle, and interfering with a police officer.

Beaverton police were reportedly dispatched to the 5700-block of Southwest Alger Avenue at about 2:45 a.m. May 29 after receiving reports of suspicious people hanging around a Hyundai Elantra. Before police arrived, however, the suspects reportedly left in a Toyota Prius.

Investigating officers quickly learned the Hyundai in question was previously reported stolen, Beaverton authorities said.

About an hour later, around 3:40 a.m., Beaverton officers were dispatched to the 5600-block of Southwest Dover Lane after receiving reports that people in Toyota Prius were seen breaking into cars in the area.

The first officer on scene attempted to stop the Toyota, but its driver — later identified as Sheikh — opted to flee, nearly hitting the officer with the Prius.

It's unclear whether police initiated a chase, but regardless Sheikh reportedly crashed the Prius near Southwest Oleson Road and Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway — about half a mile north from where he was spotted on Southwest Dover Lane.

After crashing, both Sheikh and his minor accomplice tried to run, but they were caught a short time later, police said.

Afterward, officers found a key to the stolen Hyundai in Sheikh's pocket and learned the Toyota was also stolen at some point during the night.

Images via Beaverton Police Department