PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Police reports of a man waving an American flag while firing multiple rounds from a rifle at the Central Plaza shopping center in Independence, Oregon, on Nov. 20 ultimately led authorities to arrest several youths connected to a string of burglaries in the area, the Independence Police Department said.
The suspect involved in the plaza shooting fled before officers arrived on scene, Independence Police said. However, several shell casings were collected in the area. On Dec. 5, more shell casings and a bullet were recovered from the scene of multiple vehicle break-ins in Independence. Security footage of the break-ins showed one of the suspects armed with a rifle.
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Around the same time, police in Dallas, Oregon were also investigating a series of vehicle break-ins that included reports of stolen guns, according to authorities. Collaboration between the Dallas and Independence police departments led detectives to issue a search warrant at a Dallas home on Dec. 10.
During the search, investigators recovered multiple guns, including some of those reported stolen in the previous burglaries. Police arrested three minors in connection to the burglaries.
“The juveniles face several charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm, menacing, reckless endangering, burglary in the second degree, unlawful entry into a motor vehicle, theft in the first degree, and unlawful possession of a short-barreled rifle,” the Independence Police Department said.
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Independence Police Department Chief Bob Mason thanked the Dallas Police Department for assisting in the investigation.
“The collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the diligent efforts of our officers and detectives were key in solving this case,” Mason said. “Our top priority is the safety of our community, and we are grateful for the support from our partners in this investigation.”
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