Authorities in Oregon have arrested a 21-year-old man they believe is the ringleader of a multi-state car theft ring that targeted newer American muscle cars. Aric Wade Adams was apprehended at his home in Central Point, a town southeast of Grants Pass, following a joint operation involving law enforcement agencies from Oregon and Washington.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office stated that investigators utilized social media to identify Adams as the suspect in four separate incidents in Portland involving high-end vehicles like Dodge Challengers and Chevrolet Camaros. The stolen vehicles were valued between $39,000 and $70,000, and prosecutors allege that the ring would sell them online for significantly less than their actual worth, typically between $4,500 and $6,000.
According to authorities, the car theft ring would pay individuals a small sum of money for information on where to locate the targeted vehicles. Once the location was identified, members of the ring would use electronic devices to steal the cars without needing the original keys. It was also revealed that many members of the ring were armed with firearms during these operations.
Adams was taken into custody in Southern Oregon and booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center. He has been indicted on 16 charges, including first-degree theft and possession of a stolen vehicle. Despite the charges, Adams pleaded not guilty to all counts during his initial court appearance. A preventative detention hearing is scheduled for Monday to determine if Adams will remain in custody.
The investigation into the car theft ring is ongoing, with authorities seeking additional information and witnesses. Court documents indicate that the criminal operation extended from Sacramento to the Seattle area, highlighting the scope of the criminal enterprise. The social media group PDX Stolen Cars played a crucial role in assisting law enforcement in locating Adams and dismantling the ring.
Multiple agencies have been credited for their collaboration in the investigation, emphasizing the importance of interagency cooperation in combating organized crime. The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Detective Dylan Lerch is leading the investigation and is encouraging anyone with information to come forward by contacting him via email at Dylan.Lerch@mcso.us.
As the case unfolds, the public is reminded to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to car theft or organized crime. The arrest of Adams serves as a significant breakthrough in dismantling a sophisticated criminal network that posed a threat to communities across multiple states.