HPD arrests burglar who is also facing charges in Pendleton

By Terry Murry on Thursday, July 8th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories

HERMISTON – Hermiston police acted on a tip from a neighbor early Thursday morning that someone was removing items from a home and loading them into his truck. Dispatch got a good description of the suspect and the truck and officers located him.

Russell Proctor, 45, of Irrigon is charged with burglary, theft and criminal mischief. He is also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and an outstanding warrant. Proctor has a significant criminal history, primarily in Morrow County and the west side of Umatilla County. He has been cited 54 times and arrested 20 times.

Pendleton Police Chief Chuck Byram said that Proctor is wanted for questioning as a suspect in a May burglary while the property owners were out of town. PPD has filed charges of first-degree burglary, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, first-degree aggravated theft, and first-degree criminal mischief.

Byram said more details could not be released because it is an open and active investigation.