Monroe Police arrest car thief suspect in stolen Honda

The Monroe Police Department ProAct Team arrested a 28-year-old Monroe man on suspicion of multiple charges including possession of a stolen vehicle, driving with a suspended license, possession of vehicle theft tools, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The man was arrested shortly before 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, at the Red Barn gas station on U.S. 2, after ProAct Officer Nate Erdmann identified the suspect’s vehicle as stolen. During a search of the man, officers reportedly discovered a glass methamphetamine pipe, heroin and what appeared to be a “shaved” vehicle key, an apparatus commonly used in instances of vehicle theft. The vehicle, a Honda Accord, was impounded pending a search warrant and the man was transported to the Monroe Police Department for questioning. He was subsequently booked into Snohomish County Jail.

The arrest was accomplished by Erdmann and Officer Scott Kornish, both members of Monroe’s ProAct Team. Officer Darryl Stamey assisted at the scene.

Headed up by Sgt. Ryan Irving, the ProAct Team is a specialized unit meant to work proactively in the community to deter prolific criminals by investigating reoccurring criminal behavior. Rather than respond to 9-1-1 calls, the team zeroes in on property crimes, nuisance properties and other illegal activities typically related to the sale of narcotics.

The ProAct Team is made up of Irving, Erdmann, K9 Lexi and Kornish.

Erdmann spotted the Accord while driving near the intersection of 182nd Avenue Northeast and Blueberry Lane. After identifying it as a stolen vehicle, Erdmann advised police dispatch and continued to follow the vehicle while waiting for backup units to arrive. From Blueberry, the vehicle turned left on Kelsey Street, heading east on U.S. 2 toward Woods Creek Road.

As other units arrived on scene, Erdmann stopped the vehicle in the Red Barn parking lot. Heroin, drug paraphernalia used for smoking methamphetamine and the shaved key were allegedly discovered during a search of the driver. He was taken into custody without incident.   

During questioning, the driver alleged that he had purchased the vehicle for $500 from an individual in Everett two days prior. According to police documents, the driver admitted to smoking meth but stated he did not use heroin, telling Erdmann he had “forgot it was in his pocket.”

Upon arrival at Snohomish County Jail, the suspect was searched more extensively, and found to be in possession of approximately 1 1/2 grams of methamphetamine. He admitted it was his, according to police documents. An additional search of his property revealed two separate key rings containing multiple keys from different types of vehicles.

Monroe police have been actively investigating a recent series of vehicle thefts, many of which were 1990s models of Honda Civics and Accords. According to the department, keys from other vehicles, along with altered keys that have been ground down or “shaved,” can commonly be used to start older model Civics and Accords.

The suspect is being held on more than $10,000 bail.