REDMOND, OR -- Five people were arrested after Redmond police recovered a stolen pickup during a high-risk traffic stop. Prior to the theft, the owner had been living in the pickup and attached camper. He also reported a firearm was inside at the time the truck was taken.
Officers pulled over the vehicle Monday afternoon, near SW 23rd and
Highland. They arrested the driver, 22-year-old Austin Hemphill (right), and two passengers, 23-year-old Tyirez Frost and a 17-year-old girl. Hemphill is charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and theft; Frost is accused of selling the stolen firearm to a local business, which was later recovered; and the minor is charged with carrying a concealed weapon.
The ongoing investigation led officers to a home on Southwest 26th in Redmond, where they say they recovered other evidence relating to the stolen vehicle and other suspected Redmond thefts. During the execution of a search warrant, officers arrested 18-year-old Michael Mickelson for unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine, and meth possession.
Another woman, 38-year-old Sara Gittins (left), was taken into custody on BLM land, near where the camper was found. She's charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, theft and criminal mischief.
Investigators say the camper was significantly damaged when the suspects removed it from the pickup. It is unlikely it is still usable.
