News Summary
A 37-year-old man was arrested in Portland after suspicious activity was reported at a construction site in Washington County. The suspect,identified as Abel Arambula, was found with tools linking him to multiple burglaries. Following a vehicle and home search, authorities uncovered stolen items, leading to charges including second-degree burglary and first-degree theft. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office urges the community to report any suspicious behavior to help combat ongoing thefts at construction sites.
Portland Man Arrested for Burglary After Suspicious Activity Reported at Construction Site
PORTLAND, OR — A 37-year-old man was taken into custody Thursday afternoon in Portland following reports of suspicious activity at a construction site in Washington County. The arrest resulted in multiple charges related to a recent burglary at the site, which was reported several days earlier.
Initial Report and Incident Details
At approximately 3:30 a.m. on Thursday, authorities responded to a call describing a suspicious person seen near houses under construction along Northwest Anastasia Drive in the Bethany neighborhood. The caller provided a description of the individual and the vehicle they appeared to be driving as they left the scene.
Vehicle Discovery and Identification
Responding deputies located a vehicle matching the caller’s description — a 2010 Nissan Versa — parked nearby. Upon inspection, the vehicle was found with its license plate obscured by duct tape, indicating possible attempts to avoid identification. Further investigation confirmed that the driver was the suspect in question, identified as Abel Arambula.
Evidence Found in Vehicle and Ties to Previous Burglary
During the investigation, deputies discovered various construction tools inside the Nissan Versa, suggesting involvement in recent criminal activity. Law enforcement officials later established a connection between the vehicle and a prior burglary that occurred at a construction site on August 7 in Washington County.
Search Warrant and Further Investigations
Following these findings, authorities executed a search warrant at Arambula’s residence shortly after 9 a.m. During the search, detectives recovered multiple items stolen from construction sites, enhancing the case against him.
Arrest and Charges
Abel Arambula was booked into the Washington County Jail on multiple counts, including three counts of second-degree burglary, first-degree theft, and first-degree criminal trespass. The charges reflect allegations of breaking into construction sites, stealing property, and trespassing on private property.
Authorities’ Appeal for Public Assistance
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the case and encourages members of the community to provide any relevant information. Those with details related to the incident are urged to contact the sheriff’s office at 503-629-0111, mentioning case number 50-25-10943.
Background and Context
Construction sites in Washington County have experienced a series of thefts and break-ins during recent months. The police have emphasized the importance of vigilance and proper security measures to prevent similar incidents. Arrests like that of Arambula are part of ongoing efforts to combat criminal activity targeting unfinished developments and private property.
This case illustrates the importance of community reporting in helping law enforcement apprehend suspects involved in property crimes. Authorities remind residents and construction workers to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity promptly to aid in maintaining safety and security within the neighborhood.
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Additional Resources
- KPTV: Man Faces Burglary Charges After Theft at Construction Site
- Wikipedia: Burglary
- KOIN: Woman Convicted in Portland Burglary Ring
- Google Search: Portland burglary news
- KGW: Portland Police Drone Leads to Airbnb Burglary Arrests
- Google Scholar: Burglary Police Reporting
- Oregon Live: 4th Suspect Arrested in Portland Burglary Ring
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Burglary

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