In a shocking turn of events, the Camas Police Department has requested public assistance to identify an individual who allegedly stole a vehicle and tampered with several others on Christmas morning. The incident occurred in the Woodburn neighborhood, where multiple vehicles were targeted between 8:30 and 9:30 AM. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.

Details Unfold in a Disturbing Christmas Incident

In the early hours of a festive morning, a dark gray Mazda CX-3 registered in Washington was reported stolen from the Woodburn neighborhood in Camas. The vehicle, identified by its license plate BSD5166, was captured on various security cameras driving through the area, checking other parked cars. This unsettling event unfolded while families were celebrating the holiday, adding an unexpected layer of concern to what should have been a joyous day.

Pritam Nandakumar, whose wife owns the stolen Mazda, recounted the disturbing experience. While away for the holidays, he received an alert from his home security system around 9 AM. Upon reviewing the footage, Nandakumar noticed an unfamiliar person entering their driveway and unlocking the car as if they had the key. The suspect then drove off with the vehicle.

The police confirmed that the thief also prowled seven additional vehicles, stealing items such as gift cards, cash, and a cell phone. Notably, a garage door opener was taken from the Nandakumar family, raising concerns about potential future break-ins. Chief Tina Jones emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that the theft of the opener indicates the suspect's intent to return.

Nandakumar, a father of two, expressed his distress over the loss of peace of mind. “Material possessions can be replaced, but the feeling of safety in one’s own home is invaluable,” he said. The community now faces the challenge of restoring trust and ensuring security in light of this alarming incident.

To aid in the investigation, authorities have released a description of the suspect, who was seen wearing a dark-colored beanie, a black hooded sweatshirt with white stripes, light gray pants, and bright orange or red shoes with black laces. Residents are advised to call 911 if they spot the occupied stolen vehicle and use the non-emergency line for empty sightings.

This unfortunate event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and community cooperation. It highlights the need for enhanced security measures and the value of neighborly watchfulness. As the investigation continues, it is hoped that swift action will bring closure to those affected and prevent similar incidents in the future.