Series of Burglaries Rattles The Dalles, Police Probe for Links
By Joshuah Albert
The Dalles, Ore. January 30, 2024 — The Dalles was hit by a wave of burglaries and one robbery during the last two days, with police investigating potential connections between these incidents, according to The Dalles Police log.
The number of thefts has some local merchants worried and guarded.
Astro Gas Station, Jan. 29, 8:03 a.m.
On January 29, a robbery occurred at Astro gas station at 2914 W. Sixth St at 8:03 a.m. The suspect, potentially armed, forced a victim to the ground at the gas pumps and fled with money taken from the fuel pit. Described as wearing a grey hoodie, black pants, and a fabric mask, the suspect evaded capture despite the use of a police dog and drone.
Taco Bell, Jan. 30, 3 a.m.
Nineteen hours later a second burglary occurred at Taco Bell at 3 a.m. on Jan. 30. It was reported a cash register containing $200 was stolen. The crime was captured by surveillance cameras.
Police recovered the register drawer containing some money near the Webber Street overpass. Although two possible suspects were seen near the Jack in the Box restaurant, no one was apprehended.
Dairy Queen, Jan. 30, 4 a.m.,
Another smash-and-grab occurred at Cherry Heights Road, where yet another drive-through window was shattered at Dairy Queen. A burglar grabbed an empty cash register and then threw it over a fence. Surveillance shows the criminal had a beard and was on foot at the time of the crime.
“Nobody was there the place was empty,” said DQ manager Rachel Woolsey, noting police discovered the burglary and called the owners.
Gorge Wide? Jan. 30, 4:28 a.m.
In addition to these incidents, the Hood River Sheriff’s office reported a "smash and grab" in Cascade Locks involving cigarettes and a grey sedan.
“The last time this happened, the suspects made their way east hitting Hood River and The Dalles,” according to a dispatcher in The Dalles Police Log.
Kentucky Fried Chicken, Jan. 30, 4:39 a.m.
Police reports said the window at the restaurant was pried open and it appeared the register was taken, leaving cords to the register hanging out the window. Police were attempting to confirm the incident through contact with the management of the restaurant.
Similar Circumstances
The similarities in the modus operandi of these crimes, particularly the smashing of windows and the targeting of cash registers, have raised suspicions of a connection between them. The Dalles Police Department is actively investigating and considering the possibility of these incidents being linked.
Business owners in the area are advised to stay vigilant and report any unusual activities to the police. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are seeking assistance from the public to help apprehend the suspects.
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