Alleged motorcycle thief nabbed in Soap Lake

SOAP LAKE — An alleged motorcycle thief was arrested in Soap Lake last week after barricading himself in an apartment.

On Thursday Soap Lake Police Department Chief Ryan Cox received a report of a dirt bike/motorcycle theft occurring in the city the previous night. Cox reportedly spotted the alleged theft suspect, Jesse Hansen, 27, of Soap Lake, putting air in the tires of the stolen motorcycle at a gas station on Daisy Street in Soap Lake a few minutes before the theft occurred, according to the Soap Lake Police Department.

Video surveillance was obtained and police were able to identify the suspect as Hansen. Further information determined Hansen was at an apartment in the 20 block of North Division Street. Witnesses reported spotting Hansen flee into an apartment at the complex. The Grant County Sheriff’s Office, along with K-9 deputy Grizzly, assisted the SLPD. A woman and her children were escorted from the apartment Hansen was spotted going into and authorities were told he was hiding inside.

Hansen, who reportedly has a violent history that includes guns and drugs, disregarded several police commands and was taken into custody after police and Grizzly entered the apartment.

“This successful effort goes to show the importance of a good working relationship with our partner agencies,” Cox stated. “Everyone made sure that a situation that could have turned dangerous was kept safe, and thereby making it a success.”

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.