La Grande man suspected of multi-county crime spree now faces additional charges
By Joe Hathaway on Monday, August 19th, 2024 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
UNION COUNTY — A La Grande man suspected of multiple thefts in July, including stolen vehicles and firearms, now faces additional charges in Grant County related to the alleged crime spree.
Storm Losee Mensch, 25, who has been lodged in the Union County Jail on various charges related to a series of vehicle thefts and an attempted elude, was recently arrested by the La Grande Police Department (LGPD) at the jail on a Grant County warrant. The warrant was issued for violation of a release agreement, stemming from an original charge of theft involving a firearm or explosive.
Grant County Sheriff Todd McKinley confirmed that Mensch’s crime spree took place during a period of evacuations and road closures last month due to nearby wildfires. “During the fires and evacuations, there have been those that would prey on the vulnerable. I will not tolerate this,” McKinley stated in July.
Mensch is accused of multiple counts of burglary and theft related to incidents along US 395 from Dale to Mt. Vernon during the spree, including the theft of multiple firearms.
The Sheriff told Elkhorn Media Group that while some of the firearms have been recovered, the investigation remains ongoing.
On July 20, an LGPD officer attempted to stop a vehicle with switched license plates driven by Mensch. After a brief pursuit that ended in an apartment complex, Mensch attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended by LGPD officers and taken into custody. He remains lodged in the Union County Jail.
