Police: Two 12-year-olds arrested for stealing car, running from officers in Gresham

GRESHAM, Ore. (KPTV) - Two 12-year-olds were arrested earlier this month for stealing a car and then running from officers, according to the Gresham Police Department.

In the early morning hours of June 17, an officer tried to stop a brown 2016 Kia Soul near NE 181st Avenue and NE Glisan Street. The driver took off and the officer did not pursue.

A short time later, the Kia was found abandoned in the middle of the street near NE 194th Avenue and NE Irving Street. Police say the car was still running with a broken steering column, a screwdriver on the floor, and a USB cable in the damaged ignition.

According to police, a resident in the area could hear two people “shooshing” each other while trying to hide on church property near NE 192nd Avenue and NE Hoyt Street.

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When officers arrived to the area, they found the two 12-year-old suspects and took them into custody. Police did not identify the suspects.

The suspects were later released to their parents, and police say the case was referred to the juvenile division of the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.

The car has not yet been reported stolen. Police say they are working on locating the current owner who has not registered the car with the DMV.

Anyone with information about the case or knows who the victim may be, should contact the Gresham police tip-line at 503-618-2719.