HPD arrests Toombs for multiple charges
By Terry Murry on Wednesday, December 6th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
HERMISTON – A serious crash, a carjacking and a kidnapping put a Hermiston man behind bars at the Umatilla County Jail Tuesday evening. The charges faced by Anthony Thomas Toombs, 36, include third-degree robbery, second-degree kidnapping, and unauthorized use of a vehicle.
It began with a crash at the intersection of Southwest 11th Street and West Highland Avenue. Police Chief Jason Edmiston said that Toombs collided with a Toyota van driven by a 29-year-old Hermiston man. He and his 25-year-old wife suffered minor injuries. Toombs reportedly fled the scene, leaving his vehicle in the middle of the intersection. He ran towards the Viewcrest Apartments on Southwest 13th Place where he accosted a 24-year-old woman, stealing her car.
“In the vehicle was a 2-year-old child who was in a car seat,” Edmiston said. “Neighbors heard all of the commotion taking place and they were able to get the vehicle stopped. Our officers arrived and took the person into custody.”
While they were driving to the police station, Toombs appeared to suffer a medical emergency. Edmiston said the officers administered Narcan and transported the suspect to Good Shepherd Medical Center, where he was treated and medically cleared.
Toombs is a familiar face to HPD officers.
“He’s a bit of a frequent flyer,” Edmiston said. “Twelve arrests, 31 cites with history with numerous agencies in the area.”
Edmiston said that today (Wednesday) day-shift officers will be checking in with the couple who were hurt in the initial crash as well as the 24-year-old female and her child. He said the report on the case will be transmitted to the Umatilla County District Attorney’s office today.
