Car theft spree ends in Umatilla County

PENDLETON – The Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office responded to a break in at Sherrell Chevrolet in Hermiston Monday and ended up dealing with a suspect who allegedly stole a total of four vehicles. Rito Nemo Gutierrez, 39, was arrested on Umatilla County charges by Oregon State Police and Umatilla Tribal Police at milepost 225.5 of Interstate 84.

The investigating deputy discovered a trail of stolen vehicles. He learned that Gutierrez appears to have begun his spree by stealing a Chevrolet Suburban in Baker City. He then allegedly drove to La Grande where he stole a maroon Honda sedan. That’s what he was allegedly driving when he arrived in Hermiston.

UCSO reports that Gutierrez accessed the night drop-off key box and took key sets for two vehicles. He allegedly stole a gray 2022 Chevrolet Silverado, but returned it shortly thereafter and stole a white 2022 Chevrolet Suburban and headed east on the interstate.

OSP reports that ONSTAR reported the vehicle was stopped and potentially out of fuel. ONSTAR made it appear that it was dispatching a tow truck with fuel so Gutierrez remained with the vehicle waiting for help until law enforcement arrived.

Gutierrez has initially been charged with his alleged criminal acts in Umatilla County. Additional charges from La Grande and Baker City are expected. His preliminary bail is $90,000.

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