PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — After taking a pair of “suspicious” individuals into custody Wednesday afternoon, Gresham police say they found 265 stolen apartment keys related to a burglary that took place on Sunday.
According to police, officers responded to the scene of SE 190th Avenue and SE Division Street around 12:45 p.m. after receiving a report of a suspicious man holding a gun in the parking lot of Cascade Athletic Club. The caller also claimed the man was also attempting to break into vehicles before walking eastbound on Division Street with a woman.
Authorities said that a short time later, the couple entered the parking lot nearby the Mountain Knolls Apartments, which is where a different caller said they believed the pair was associated with a stolen 2011 Kia Sportage — police determined that the car was stolen on Sunday from the 2900 Block of W. Powell Blvd.
“They were trying to get into cars of the people that were attending the gym, and the male half was reported to have a gun,” said Sgt. Tommy Walker with Gresham police.
When officers arrived at the scene, the two suspects attempted to elude police, but were unsuccessful and were taken into custody, authorities said. Police say that the suspects are connected to several burglaries throughout the city.
In the ensuing investigation, Walker located a large set of 265 keys — along with other equipment linked to the burglary at the Columba Trails Apartments on Sunday.
During the Columbia Trails burglary, two unidentified suspects broke into the building at night and stole the keys, as well as several electronic devices, according to police.
“(Those) keys which would have gotten the suspects into every apartment in that complex,” Walker said.
Thanks to the fast action of law enforcement and some key witnesses, Wednesday’s outcome likely prevented a more sinister situation.
“I think the real heroes in the story are actually the members of Cascade Athletic Club that saw something they reported it. One person in particular actually took the time and kept a visual on these people and kind of helped guide us into the scene. It was outstanding,” Walker said.
Police say the male suspect has been arrested and faces multiple charges, including burglary and possession of a stolen vehicle.