Press release date: 2009-05-27
WEST LINN – Saturday, May 23, 2009 at approximately 2:00am, Officers Jason Dolan and Brad Moyle were patrolling the downtown area of the Willamette Neighborhood when they saw a silver Subaru sedan turn onto 13th Street and stop in the road. They looped around the block to contact the driver when they saw the car speed off. They found the car as it entered I-205 south and saw it was traveling at a very high rate of speed. They were able to catch up to the car as it took the Stafford Road exit. They stopped the car and contacted the driver, Robert Tony TOTPAL (38 years old of Tualatin) who appeared very nervous. The car had no license plates nor a temporary registration in the window. Mr. TOTPAL had no driver’s license or other identification. He was detained by Officer Dolan while Officer Moyle checked the car’s vehicle identification number (VIN). This check showed the car was reported stolen to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office on May 18, 2009.
Mr. TOTPAL was arrested for Possession of a Stolen Vehicle and Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle.
During the arrest procedure, Officer Dolan found an altered key, a glass cutter, and broken pieces of porcelain commonly called “Ninja Rocks” which are used to break out car windows. He was also charged with Possession of Burglar’s Tools, based on the altered key and Ninja Rocks. These are tools commonly used to break into and steal from cars, as well as stealing the entire car, as in this case.
Officer Dolan also found a citation issued to Mr. TOTPAL by the West Linn Police on April 10, 2009. At that time his car was towed.
Mr. TOTPAL was lodged at the Clackamas Count Jail in lieu of $37,500 in bail.
### WLPD ####
Contact Info: Sgt Neil Hennelly 503-655-6214 ext 4498
