Four Colombian nationals have been taken into custody by Oregon law enforcement in relation to a series of 39 home burglaries that specifically targeted affluent Asian-American households since September. The Tigard Police Department (TPD) confirmed the arrests were linked to the string of burglaries that began late last year. The suspects employed a consistent method of breaking in to the homes, sparking concern among residents across Tigard, Washington County, and Beaverton. Authorities issued a warning in November to alert residents across the three jurisdictions about the ongoing home burglaries.
Search Warrants Executed in Oregon City, Bend, and Portland
On February 2nd, search warrants were carried out in Oregon City, Bend, and Portland as part of the investigation into the burglaries. The first warrant was executed in an apartment complex on South Beavercreek Road in Oregon City, where TPD, along with the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team and other agencies, conducted a thorough search. The second warrant was served in a Bend apartment complex on Gross Drive, with the assistance of Bend police and the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team. During the execution of these warrants, investigators were able to recover cash, evidence, stolen jewelry, and impounded several vehicles believed to be linked to the crimes.
Suspects Apprehended and Additional Evidence Recovered
Following the search warrants, four suspects, all identified as Colombian nationals, were apprehended by Tigard police on felony charges. The individuals were later extradited back to Washington County for further legal proceedings. The suspects were named as Herbert Grueso-Vergara, 30; Maria Castro-Gamboa, 26; Fabio Vergara-Cortes, 29; and Fatima Gomez-Aragon, 33. In a coordinated effort with various agencies, law enforcement took swift action to address the series of burglaries that appeared to be connected.
An additional warrant was executed on February 5th at an apartment complex on North Bristol Avenue in Portland, led by the TPD, the Portland Police Bureau, and the PPB’s Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT). During this operation, additional stolen jewelry and evidence related to the ongoing investigation were discovered and seized. The TPD expressed their gratitude towards the collaborative efforts of Oregon and Washington officials who played a crucial role in the investigation.
This case remains under active investigation, with authorities anticipating further charges to be brought against the suspects in the coming days. The diligent work of law enforcement agencies in swiftly addressing the burglaries serves as a testament to the commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents in the affected areas.
The Colombian nationals arrested in connection with the home burglaries are set to face the full force of the law as the investigation progresses. The recovery of stolen items and evidence during the execution of search warrants provides valuable leads for law enforcement to piece together the puzzle behind the targeted burglaries. As the community awaits further developments in this case, the collaborative efforts of multiple agencies underscore the importance of cooperation in combating criminal activities that threaten the well-being of residents.
