In a significant development in the fight against property crime, four Colombian nationals were recently arrested in Oregon in connection with a series of home burglaries that primarily targeted affluent Asian-American households. The Tigard Police Department (TPD) led the investigation, which uncovered a pattern of break-ins beginning in late September. The suspects allegedly used a consistent method in each burglary, which helped authorities identify their modus operandi. This case highlights the importance of community vigilance and interagency collaboration in combating organized crime.
The burglaries, which began in late September, targeted what appeared to be affluent Asian-American households across three jurisdictions: Tigard, Washington County, and Beaverton. Authorities reported four burglaries in Tigard, four in Washington County, and two in Beaverton, totaling ten cases in these areas. In November, the TPD issued a public warning to residents, urging them to take extra precautions to secure their homes and report any suspicious activity. This proactive approach not only alerted the community but also likely provided crucial leads for investigators.
The TPD, in collaboration with multiple law enforcement agencies, executed search warrants on February 2 in Oregon City, Bend, and Portland. In Oregon City, the TPD, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team, and other agencies raided an apartment complex on South Beavercreek Road, recovering cash, stolen jewelry, and vehicles linked to the burglaries. Similar operations were conducted in Bend by the Bend Police Department and the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team, who executed a warrant on Gross Drive, further uncovering evidence and stolen property.
The four Colombian nationals—Herbert Grueso-Vergara, 30; Maria Castro-Gamboa, 26; Fabio Vergara-Cortes, 29; and Fatima Gomez-Aragon, 33—were arrested by Tigard police on felony charges. They were extradited to Washington County, where the case is being prosecuted. These arrests were the result of meticulous investigative work and the seamless coordination between local and regional law enforcement agencies.
On February 5, an additional warrant was served in Portland by the TPD, the Portland Police Bureau, and the bureau’s Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT) at an apartment complex on North Bristol Avenue. This raid yielded more stolen jewelry and evidence tied to the ongoing investigation. The recovery of these items not only strengthens the case against the suspects but also brings a measure of relief to the victims whose property was stolen.
The TPD extended gratitude to Oregon and Washington officials for their involvement in the investigation, emphasizing the critical role of interagency cooperation in solving complex cases like this one. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities anticipating additional charges as more evidence comes to light. This case underscores the resilience and effectiveness of law enforcement collaboration in addressing organized crime and ensuring justice for the affected communities.
