Oregon law enforcement officials have arrested four Colombian nationals in connection with a series of 39 home burglaries, primarily affecting affluent Asian-American families. The crimes began in late September and involved a consistent break-in pattern.
The Tigard Police Department (TPD), along with other agencies, executed search warrants on February 2nd in Oregon City, Bend, and Portland. The first warrant was served at an apartment complex in Oregon City, involving TPD, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team, and other agencies. A second warrant was executed in Bend at an apartment complex. Recovered items included cash, evidence, stolen jewelry, and several vehicles.
The four suspects, all Colombian citizens, face felony charges and have been extradited to Washington County. They are identified as Herbert Grueso-Vergara (30), Maria Castro-Gamboa (26), Fabio Vergara-Cortes (29), and Fatima Gomez-Aragon (33).
An additional warrant was executed on February 5th by the TPD, the Portland Police Bureau, and its Special Emergency Reaction Team at a Portland apartment complex. More stolen jewelry and evidence connected to the burglaries were found at this location.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities anticipating further charges. The TPD expressed gratitude to the various Oregon and Washington agencies involved in the operation.
