Vehicle prowls on the rise in Medical Lake

MEDICAL LAKE — The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office is warning people to keep their vehicles locked.

According to a Monday press release, the Sheriff’s Office acknowledge recent reports of vehicle prowls in and around the City of Medical Lake, and asked citizens to report suspicious activity and to ensure their vehicles are locked after all valuables have been removed.

“Almost all of the reported thefts in the last few weeks occurred on vehicles that were unlocked,” Spokesman Cpl. Mark Gregory wrote. “A couple of victims stated they believed their car was locked, but no sign of forced entry or manipulation of the locks was observed.”

While most of the thefts involved spare change, clothes, paperwork and electronics, thieves have also walked away with weapons like knives and at least two handguns, the press release noted.

Two vehicle prowls also occurred at the Silver Lake Boat Launch in late November when thieves broke a vehicles window to gain entry.

In late November deputies received two descriptions of a possible suspect — a white male in his 20s wearing a dark hoodie.

Other, more specific reports described the suspect as possibly 5-foot-7-inches tall, of average build with brown hair, wearing jeans and carrying a backpack.

On Dec. 3, Sheriff’s deputies arrested 27-year-old Joseph B. Thornton after a potential victim caught Thornton inside his vehicle. When he tried to flee Thornton was detained until Deputies arrived, and was later booked into the Spokane County Jail for Vehicle Trespassing 2nd Degree, and two unrelated misdemeanor warrants for the same charge. Thornton was released on his own recognizance within hours, the press release said.

“If you must keep items in your vehicle, keep them out of sight, and if possible secure them in a locked trunk,” Gregory wrote.

He also reminded residents not to leave vehicles running unattended while warming them up.

Always report suspicious activity to Crime Check at 509-456-2233, or 911 if a crime in progress.

Lee Hughes can be reached at lee@cheneyfreepress.com.