West Linn Officer Noelan Smith stopped a car as it exited I-205(S) onto Willamette Drive in West Linn for a traffic infraction (red light). The car was driven by Robert Michael Mihalak Jr. 34, of NE Portland. While officers spoke to Mihalak they saw several weapons and a holster in his immediate vicinity. They asked him to exit the vehicle, he complied, and told the officers he thought he might have a knife on him. They did not find the knife, but did find burglars tools; broken porcelain insulators from spark plugs, commonly called Ninja rocks, which are used to break windows very quietly.
A subsequent search of the vehicle turned up a switchblade knife, shaved keys, lock picks, and methamphetamine.
During the course of the stop, the passenger, Joshua Eric Lindsay, 29, pictured was arrested for an outstanding Parole Violation warrant. Pursuant to that arrest, Lindsay was found to be in possession of several items taken in a recent burglary in West Linn. Lindsay was lodged at the Clackamas County jail on Burglary II, Possession of Burglar's Tools, Possession of Controlled Substances (Marijuana) within 1000 feet of a school, Identity Theft, and Parole Violation.
Checks found in Mr. Lindsay's possession had been stolen in an unreported burglary in the 18800 Block of Willamette Drive. West Linn Officers contacted the victim who went to his business and found it had been broken into. Earlier in the week there had been two other burglaries in the same vicinity. This traffic stop was two blocks from the three burglaries.
Some of the items stolen from the burglaries were recovered in Mr. Lindsay's residence at the 16300 Block of SE Stevens Road in Portland. Items included a computer, various software titles, a digital label maker, and a printer.
Robert Michael Mihalak Jr. was arrested for Parole Violation, Burglary II, Possession of Burglar's Tools, Possession of Controlled Substances (PCS) Methamphetamine, and Possession of a Prohibited Weapon (switchblade). He was lodged at the Clackamas County Jail.
"This is why we stop cars at night" said Police Chief Terry Timeus, "Over two-thirds of the people we arrest do not live in our community, they come here to prey on our community."
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Contact Info: Sgt Neil Hennelly - 503-655-6214 ext 4498