Delivery truck theft in Oregon leads to dramatic police chase

In a shocking incident that unfolded on November 15, a delivery truck was stolen in Milwaukie, Oregon, while an employee was still inside the vehicle’s cargo area. The event highlights the increasing risks faced by delivery personnel and the audacity of criminals in broad daylight.

The theft unfolds

Just before 8 a.m., police received a call reporting that a delivery truck belonging to Elephants Delicatessen had been stolen from a warehouse parking lot. The truck was running and being loaded by employees when a man suddenly jumped into the driver’s seat. Security footage captured the suspect, later identified as 29-year-old Forrest Lee Guayante, driving away with the truck, forcing an employee to leap from the moving vehicle to escape. Esmeralda, the employee, recounted her harrowing experience, stating, “[The truck] started moving even faster, and then that’s when I started to hold on to whatever I could hold on to.” Fortunately, she sustained only minor injuries.

Police response and tracking

Witnesses at the scene informed the police that the truck was equipped with a GPS tracking device, which would prove crucial in the subsequent search. However, initial attempts to locate the vehicle were unsuccessful. Later that day, employees reported that the truck had been spotted around Portland, prompting a renewed effort by law enforcement. With the assistance of the Beaverton Police Department, authorities tracked the vehicle down, finding Guayante still inside.

A dramatic chase ensues

When officers attempted to stop the truck, Guayante allegedly rammed the police car in a desperate bid to escape. The chase was complicated by heavy traffic, which ultimately forced him to abandon the truck. He fled on foot through nearby business parking lots and residential yards. Thanks to the quick response of a police K-9 unit, officers were able to apprehend him shortly after.

Charges and implications

Guayante was booked into the Washington County Jail, facing a slew of charges including unauthorized use of a vehicle, reckless endangerment, and attempt to elude police. Additionally, he faces charges of kidnapping, criminal mischief, theft, and fraudulent use of a credit card. This incident raises important questions about safety measures for delivery workers and the need for increased security protocols in the industry.

The theft of the delivery truck not only endangered the life of an employee but also highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by those in the delivery sector. As e-commerce continues to grow, the need for robust security measures and support for delivery personnel becomes increasingly critical.