Warrenton PD Arrest Three from a Bicycle Theft Ring

Warrenton, OR – Since July 25, 2016 the Warrenton Police Department has taken numerous bicycle theft reports from Fort Stevens Campground and the KOA Campground. Officers started increasing patrols in and around the campgrounds as well as looking for the bicycles and attempting to locate any information on the thefts. On July 30, 2016 officers received a tip on the location of some bicycles and were able to recover five bicycles. Some of the bicycles were positively identified as being stolen.

On July 30, 2016 officers acting on information obtained while recovering the bicycles arrested Jacob M. KITZMAN (age 24) from Warrenton for Theft 1 and Carrying a Concealed Weapon.

On July 31, 2016 officers received more information and recovered several additional bicycles. During the recovery and subsequent investigation officers arrested Devin C. GEROU (age 19) of Warrenton and John M. LAFRENIERE (age 26) of Warrenton for Theft 1. Officers also relocated Jacob M. KITZMAN who had been released from jail and arrested him on new Theft 1 charges for different bicycles.

Officers then received information from one of the suspects and were able to recover several more bicycles at an address on Highway 101 just south of Warrenton. Also recovered was a stolen motorcycle that the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office had previously taken a report on.

Warrenton Police officers have recovered close to fifteen (15) bicycles and have been able to return several to their owners. The estimated value of the bicycles taken is $8,000-$10,000 total. Some of the bicycles had already been dismantled, had parts or accessories removed, and one had already been repainted a different color. One owner from out of the area has chosen not to retrieve his bicycle but donated to the police department to be given to a toy-drive group during Christmas.

The investigation continues and more charges or arrests are possible as more information is obtained. If you have any information about the bicycle thefts please contact Officer Robert Wirt rwirt@ci.warrenton.or.us or Officer James Pierce jpierce@ci.warrenton.or.us or call 503-861-5622.

Prepared by Chief Mathew Workman, 503-861-2235, mworkman@ci.warrenton.or.us