Sheriff Bruce Riley reports this morning at 1:59 a.m., deputies responded to a reported theft in progress of a Kubota Backhoe. The incident occurred at NE Clearwater Dr., near the intersection of Nestucca Avenue in Millersburg. This is the location of several new construction homes.
The caller told Linn County 9-1-1 Dispatch that someone was at one of the vacant homes and attempting to hook up a pickup to a trailer with a backhoe that was left on site. Multiple patrol deputies converged on the area and were able to conduct a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle.
The operator and sole occupant was identified as Everado Torres, 25, of Salem. The investigation revealed Torres was in possession of and operating a red 1998 GMC pickup stolen out of Silverton Oregon. The vehicle had stolen license plates from a vehicle in Junction City. Torres had moved the backhoe to gain access to a flatbed trailer, which he was towing away from the area when contacted by deputies. Torres also had in his possession numerous tools and car keys, some of which were identified as stolen by the owner of the pickup.
A large tool box was also in the rear of the stolen vehicle. Deputies were able to locate the owner of the tool box in Corvallis, who was unaware it had been stolen. Torres had outstanding warrants from the Albany Police Department and was driving while suspended.
After confirming the property was stolen, Torres was taken into custody and lodged at the Linn County Jail on charges of; Unauthorized Use of Vehicle, Theft I, Giving False Information to Police, Failure to Carry or Present a License and Driving While Suspended.
The Linn County Sheriff’s Office received assistance from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and the Sherwood Police Department as they contacted related business and property owners to determine ownership of the various property and vehicles.