BEAVERTON – Detectives were conducting surveillance Thursday Jan. 10 after a string of car break-ins in the Raleigh Hills business area along Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway.
People were getting electronics, backpacks and a host of other personal items ripped-off from their cars by a thief who would break their windows and grab whatever he could, according to Sgt. Bob Ray with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
At around 6:45 p.m., detectives set up to watch the parking lot at the Raccoon Lodge at 7414 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Highway.
That’s when one of the detectives noticed a man walking by his vehicle, which he had parked before setting up surveillance, Ray said.
The detective then watched 38-year-old Phuong Le break into his car, grab a bag and walk away.
Detectives quickly nabbed Le and arrested him.
Investigators believe Le is responsible for many of the car break-ins in the area.
He was charged with two counts of first-degree theft and parole violation.
Authorities urge citizens not to leave valuables in their vehicles or anywhere they may be seen.
