Prineville recover 5 stolen cars, make 2 arrests

Prineville police say they have recovered five cars – one burned – that were reported stolen in Central Oregon in recent weeks, and have arrested two residents in one case. Officers also say all five of the stolen cars had been left unlocked – and at least two had keys left in the car.

Police Chief Eric Bush said in less than two months, police have recovered two Honda cars, one compact Dodge, a Honda SUV and a compact Chevy pickup, all stolen in the city or elsewhere in the region. One was destroyed by fire, he said.

All were either stolen elsewhere and recovered in Prineville, or stolen in Prineville and recovered somewhere else, Bush explained.

Last Friday, Angela June Halsey, 25, and Kevin Michael McDaniel, 22, both of Prineville, were arrested as officers found one of the stolen vehicles, Bush said.

McDaniel and Halsey were booked into the county jail, both charged with car theft, unlawful entry into a vehicle, possession of stolen property and third-degree criminal mischief, the police chief said.

Halsey was booked into the county jail and released the same day due to crowding, Bush said. McDaniel, also charged with probation violation, also was booked into the jail and released on Sunday pending formal charges, a jail officer said.

“Investigators are pursuing a number of leads in these cases,” Bush said in a news release, “and it is suspected that at least some of the incidents may be related.”

Anyone with information about the car thefts or suspicious activity that might be related were urged to contact Prineville police Det. James Peterson at (541) 447-4168.

Bush also reminded car owners to lock your car and never leave it unattended with the keys inside.

Also, he said, “It is important to remember to store your vehicle title in a safe location, other than your vehicle. Only the vehicle registration card should be carried in the vehicle, along with proof of insurance.”