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UPDATE:

At approximately 9 a.m. on February 22, the Eugene Police Street Crimes Unit, EPD SWAT, EPD K9, and EPD detectives were asked to assist with the capture of a Fugitive from Justice identified as Gary Michael Moyer, age 36, of Port Orchard, Washington. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI Seattle) contacted Oregon State Police/HSI in Roseburg, Oregon, and advised Moyer was the subject of a joint investigation in Gig Harbor, Washington, and was last known to be in the area of Moon Mountain Drive and E. 25th Avenue in Eugene. Earlier that morning, Moyer had been the subject of a multi-jurisdictional search warrant at his residence in Port Orchard, Washington. Moyer became aware of the impending search warrant and subsequently engaged in a pursuit in both Port Orchard and Gig Harbor, evading capture. 

Moyer was known to be armed and presented a danger to the public based on reports from Washington agencies. He was traveling with his girlfriend, Stephanie Marie Roller, age 31. Moyer had history of eluding police and using any means necessary to avoid capture. The vehicle associated was a late model, dark in color, blue or black Chevy Tahoe with Washington plates. To complicate matters, on February 22, at approximately 3 a.m., Vancouver 911 received a phone call from a female identifying herself as Jessica Pruitt, who reported she was being kidnapped. The 911 call originated from Moyer’s phone. The kidnapping case was still underway in Vancouver, and although unsubstantiated, there was an actual female who had the name Jessica Pruitt in Vancouver, who could not be located. 

EPD detectives checked the area where Moyer was last known to be. They confirmed he had stayed in a local hotel with a female who matched Roller’s description, but a third female was not observed. Moyer and Roller had checked out of the hotel about 30 minutes prior to detectives arriving on scene. It was believed Moyer was still in the area and a full SWAT activation was initiated. An EPD Street Crimes Unit officer was en route to check the area, when he observed a vehicle matching the description of Moyer’s traveling eastbound on I-105. The SCU officer was able to confirm the identity of the driver based on distinctive clothing he was wearing.  The SCU officer positioned himself behind Moyer’s vehicle and requested additional officers over the radio. A traffic stop was initiated, and Moyer sped away. A pursuit was authorized and initiated under policy. Springfield Police Department was immediately notified due to the pursuit being active in their city. The pursuit lasted approximately six minutes before being terminated due to the growing risk to the public.  

At this time, there was a heavy police presence in the area of Pioneer Parkway and Mohawk Boulevard between Q Street and Main Street. The suspect vehicle was located in front of a residence with its front door open near 16th Street and G Street.  A male and female matching the suspects’ descriptions were observed walking westbound from the area where the vehicle was located. A substantial and overwhelming perimeter was established in all directions from a last observed location in the 1300 block of F Street. A comprehensive and methodical search lead by EPD K9 and EPD SWAT ensued. EPD K9s were able to ascertain a likely area to focus efforts on. At approximately 12:42 p.m., a K9 Team (Officer Jake Thomas and Ayk) and a small contingency of SWAT officers announced they were with the suspects in the backyard of 1321 G Street and had them in custody. (The suspects had entered an unoccupied home and hid inside during a good portion of the search) 

This was a challenging call with multiple agencies in and out of state involved. The case was not typical or routine, and information gathering at the front end of the call was imperative to determine how to handle this particular fugitive from justice. Involved agencies were as follows: EPD SCU, EPD Special Investigations Unit, EPD Violent Crime Unit, EPD Property and Financial Crimes Unit, EPD K9, EPD Drone Team, EPD SWAT, Oregon State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, Springfield Police Patrol, SPD SWAT, and Lane County Sheriff’s Office. Outside agency involvement from Washington included: Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office, Seattle HSI, Gig Harbor Police, Vancouver Police, and Pierce County Sheriff’s Office. 

EPD SCU is conducting the follow-up investigation locally to assist multiple Washington state agencies. Thus far, EPD SCU has recovered commercial drug quantities of methamphetamine, two stolen firearms out of Washington, and more than 200 pieces of crucial evidence linked to multiple, high-profile property crimes throughout Western Washington.  

SCU and HSI were able to determine the reported Kidnapping in Vancouver, Washington, was perpetrated by Roller to divert Vancouver police resources and aid in the couple’s flight from Washington to Oregon. 

SCU is funded through the Community Safety Payroll Tax and works in concert with communities to help solve issues.  The unit focuses on prolific offenders, who are identified through intelligence-based policing, public tips and other sources. They proactively respond across the city to quality of life issues as they arise, using all available resources and partners such as community groups, neighborhood associations and city services. SCU is dedicated to targeting immediate and acute community safety system issues while working toward mission-critical enhancements that need to be addressed through a longer-term and broader community safety initiative. 

Charges Case #23-02751

  • Gary Michael Moyer, Fugitive from Justice, Unlawful Possession of Firearm by Felon (stolen), Elude by Vehicle, Elude by Foot, Reckless Endangering (Community), Reckless Driving, Burglary in the First Degree. 
  • Stephanie Marie Roller, Violation Release Agreement (Deschutes County) Warrant; Burglary in the First Degree

 Related Stories:

https://www.gigharbornow.org/news/police-fire/suspect-arrested-in-nine-gig-harbor-commercial-burglaries/

https://www.yahoo.com/now/port-orchard-burglary-suspect-1m-223458413.html?soc_src=social-sh&soc_trk=ma

Original Article: Source