EVERETT — The victims included a Washington State Patrol trooper and a U.S. Forest Service agent.
Someone broke into their vehicles, and a bunch of others, in Marysville last month. Police believe they have caught the culprit.
The trooper discovered March 1 that someone stole his wallet from his pickup truck. It contained his Washington State Patrol commission card and bank and credit cards. The thief even used the trooper’s bank card.
Five days later, the U.S. Forestry agent reported someone broke into his patrol vehicle and stole a camera, stun gun, portable radio, government-issued credit card and several jackets with law enforcement badges and patches. His credit card also was used for three transactions.
A Marysville police detective assigned to a multi-agency north Snohomish County property crimes unit tracked down surveillance footage of a Marysville man using the trooper’s credit card at a supermarket.
Later, the forest service agent called the detective to report seeing the suspect moving goods from one vehicle to another. It turned out both of the vehicles had been reported stolen.
Police arrested Ryan Cox, 29. He is charged with identity theft and possessing a stolen vehicle.
Cox allegedly admitted to driving the stolen vehicles and to stealing law enforcement equipment belonging to the forest service agent.
Cox has felony convictions for burglary, theft, car theft and malicious mischief.
He’d recently been released from prison and was on community supervision at the time he was arrested, according to court records.
Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446; stevick@heraldnet.com
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.