Linn County Undersheriff Jim Yon reports that on June 13, 2016, at 2:39 a.m. deputies responded to a reported burglary in progress at a residence located on Bell Plain drive near Shedd, Oregon. The homeowner heard his dogs barking and believed someone was on his property. The homeowner drove down his driveway and located a pair of bolt cutters and a baseball bat in the driveway. He also located two vehicles that were parked in a field entrance east of his residence.
As deputies responded to the area, the caller reported one of the vehicles, a red Honda Civic left heading east on Bell Plain Drive toward Highway 99E. Deputies located the vehicle and attempted to stop the vehicle which accelerated to speeds over 100 mph. The deputy continued to pursue the vehicle through the city of Tangent where it turned west on N. Lake Creek drive and then stopped. All three occupants of the vehicle were taken into custody. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Thomas Eugene Peterson, 19, and the two passengers; Mohamed Waeil Eltelbany, 19, and Todd Alan Folkerts, 21, all from Monmouth.
The investigation revealed all three subjects had driven down in two separate vehicles to steal a marijuana grow from the location. They were in possession of large garbage bags, two way radios and cutting instruments.
Peterson was lodged at the Linn County Jail for charges of Conspiracy to Commit Burglary II, Attempt to Elude-Felony, Trespass II, Reckless Driving and Recklessly Endangering x2. Both Eltelbany and Folkers were lodged and charged for Conspiracy to Commit Burglary II and Trespass II.
Deputies were assisted by the Albany Police Department. The investigation is continuing.